USC's Mustain has less of `edge' as backup

Scott Wolf LA Daily News

It's been a rough week for USC quarterback Mitch Mustain, who met with Trojans coach Pete Carroll after losing the starting job to Mark Sanchez and admitted he was still in a funk during Thursday's practice.

"It takes a little bit of that edge away," Mustain said. It does (affect you) a little bit."

Maybe that is one reason he was critical of his performance Thursday.

"We sucked today," Mustain said. "We didn't execute. We made a lot of mistakes."

Mustain was unsure what Tuesday's announcement Sanchez would start meant exactly and whether it prevented him for winning the job in the fall. His meeting with Carroll cleared up some of those concerns.

"It was him just kind of explaining his thoughts or his reasoning," Mustain said. "I don't think it's a surprise decision they made."

But Mustain said he still thinks he can win the job during training camp in August.

"I need to make sure the next three months I'm equipped with what I need to do in the fall and that I know the offense," he said.

Conversely, Sanchez said he felt relieved to practice as the starter.

"It's a different kind of comfort, knowing you don't have to press too hard," Sanchez said. "It feels good. It's a relief to know the coaches have confidence in you, but you can't let up."

Line shuffle: During last Saturday's scrimmage, the offensive line missed 14 assignments. In an average scrimmage, it usually misses less than five.

"I'm getting frustrated because I want them to take the next step," offensive line coach Pat Ruel said.

Ruel said the depth chart, which will be released today, is still not firm. Center Kris O'Dowd and left guard Jeff Byers will start, but the left tackle spot is a battle between Charles Brown and Butch Lewis, while Lewis and Alex Parsons are competing at right guard. Thomas Herring and Zack Heberer are competing at right guard.

Last scrimmage: USC holds its final scrimmage at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Coliseum. Admission is $10, but free for children 12 and younger.

Injury report: Defensive end Kyle Moore is out the rest of the week with a sore knee. ... Defensive tackle Fili Moala missed practice with the flu. ... Defensive end Gerald Washington is out with back spasms.