The Trojans held an early practice at midday Thursday before heading to LAX to board a flight to Indiana. Here’s what emerged out of the Thursday session:

• Mark Sanchez again took most of the snaps in practice, although John David Booty was able to throw without problems and Pete Carroll pronounced him “ready to play.” No official decision has been made about the starter–and the starter probably won’t be announced until game time–but based on how practices have gone this week, Sanchez seems the likely starter, with Booty coming in at the first sign of trouble.
• On the offensive line, Chilo Rachal, Sam Baker, and Charles Brown were unable to practice (although all but Rachal dressed). Carroll announced that Rachal will play Saturday, but that seems highly unlikely, as he has not even come close to practicing this week. It seems like Baker will be available on Saturday in case of emergency only.
• At linebacker, Brian Cushing continues to look good in practice, and is on track to play significant minutes against Notre Dame. Rey Maualuga is also on track to play Saturday, putting in a full practice for the first time this week.
• Injured cornerbacks Terrell Thomas and Shareece Wright were able to practice Thursday, and both will play against Notre Dame barring a last-minute setback. Thomas is expected to start alongside Cary Harris.
• RB Stafon Johnson participated in a few drills, but still was visibly hampered by his injured foot. Carroll announced that he would play Saturday, but that doesn’t seem very likely at this point.
• WR Vidal Hazelton will start for the third straight week ahead of David Ausberry.
• The LA Times reports that the Trojans are actively seeking big bodies to walk on to the football team to help with depth on the depleted offensive line during practices. So far, they have one taker: 6′8″ Sean Milota, who has been out of football for three years but who practiced with the team this week for the first time. No, he won’t be making the trip to South Bend.
• The Times also reports that the team’s charter flight to Indiana experienced severe weather-related turbulence on its final approach, giving players and coaches a scare and sending some of them bouncing off the ceiling. There were no major reported injuries.

Trojans quarterback Sanchez likely to start against Irish (CBS Sports)
USC endures harrowing flight arrival to South Bend (LA Times)
Injuries force USC to set up revolving line on offense (LA Times)
USC coach Carroll says Booty fit to start (Daily News)
Is USC overrated? (Daily News)
Injured Trojans optimistic about Saturday (OC Register)
Inland chapter of Domers boasts Hall of Fame bloodline (Press-Enterprise)
Thursday Practice Notes (Scout, $)