Mark Sanchez's underrated 2008 performance at the Coliseum against Ohio State

It wasn't his first start. Nor was it his first home game as QB1 for the Trojans. That had happened the year prior when John David Booty was forced to miss time during the 2007 season due to injury. As the man under center from the opening whistle for USC, the September 13th game against the #5 Ohio State in Los Angeles was an important season home opener for the quarterback.

Leading the nation's No. 1 team at the time out onto the field, Sanchez was coming off a strong 52-7 opening performance on the road at Virginia Tech in Week 1. Looking to welcome in coach Jim Tressel's Buckeyes, coach Pete Carroll wanted to send a message to the prior season's national runner-ups. Due to the bye week, OSU came to the Coliseum at 2-0, while the Trojans were at 1-0. Even in the summer, during Pac-10 media days, the USC HC had this game circled, noting, "It's games like this that make us."

After something of a slow start on offense, Sanchez did an excellent job of finding Stanley Havili in the closing moments of the first quarter for six. His pass, using play action with the fullback Havili, then found Blake Ayles for his second touchdown of the day.

Rey Maualuga grabbed a pick-six off Todd Boeckman's throw. The linebacking corps in particular, with him, Brian Cushing, and Clay Matthews, smothered the Buckeyes all game long and didn't allow Ohio State to get into a rhythm on offense.

Halfway through the third quarter, Sanchez threw a strike to Damian Williams. The 24-yard TD pass put the Trojans up 27-3 with everything going their way. Williams then broke free on the following drive for the final score of the day. USC defeated a then-national contender and did so in dominant fashion by a score of 35-3.

Impressive start to season against tough opponent

Sanchez showed great command of the Steve Sarkisian offense. Between distributing the ball around and staying composed in the pocket, even when under pressure, the junior had an excellent night against one of the better teams in the country that year. With a 172 passing yards, four touchdowns, and one interception stat line, the Trojans' QB managed to put the game out of question early.

Playing through his knee injury and running the offense, Sanchez would go on to forgo his final year of college eligibility. The Week 3 matchup against Ohio State was a highlight moment for the quarterback, as the first-time season-long starter made his junior Trojan year one for USC fans to remember.