Orange County Register

Mark Sanchez didn’t play the last time USC visited Oregon State, but the junior quarterback knows what needs to change when they meet there again Thursday night.

The Trojans can’t afford a slow start, which would boost the Beavers’ confidence and keep the volume at Reser Stadium on high. In USC’s 33-31 loss at Corvallis in 2006, the Trojans trailed by seven after the first quarter, by nine at halftime and by 23 deep into the third quarter.

“I watched the game about four times already. I remember exactly what happened,” Sanchez said Sunday.

“It got loud. Their crowd got into it. They had the momentum going into halftime. We really had to fight and didn’t come out on top. We need to come out fast and not let any of those external factors play into this thing.”

The Trojans’ play so far in 2008 suggests they will. USC jumped to a 21-0 first-quarter lead at Virginia and led Ohio State, 21-3, at halftime.

Related links:

• Sanchez: ‘Every week’s a championship week’
• Garrett Green … USC’s No. 2 QB?
• Damian Williams, Stanley Havili and FieldTurf
• Chris Galippo cleared for contact
• Shareece Wright will play if neck’s OK
• USC somehow loses a vote in coaches’ poll

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