Sure, playing against arguably the worst team in the nation may have had something to do with it, but the Trojans were able to right their ship after three sub-par weeks to play perhaps their best game of the season in a 38-0 victory over Notre Dame (1-6) in South Bend. Saturday’s win marks the first time USC (6-1) has shut out the Irish at Notre Dame Stadium since 1933, and it is the Trojans’ first shutout since a 42-0 defeat of Stanford in November 2006. The Trojans now head into the toughest portion of their schedule with a little momentum on their side, but perhaps with a quarterback controversy as well, as sophomore Mark Sanchez had a strong, four-touchdown performance to secure his second straight victory.

We recount the stats and storylines of Saturday’s game, and update you on the latest injury news:

Storylines

• Whatever your impression of Mark Sanchez was after the Arizona game, forget it. The sophomore was an energetic, decisive leader on Saturday, completing 21 of 38 passes for 235 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions. His numbers would have been even better if his receivers hadn’t dropped a few passes, and if the offensive line would have provided better protection (he had to throw away a few balls to avoid sacks). If he is replaced as the starter next weekend, it certainly won’t be because of his performance.
• In another departure for the Trojans, Sanchez was able to involve many of his teammates in the offense, completing passes to eight different receivers–including, believe it or not, several actual wide receivers, rather than only tight ends and backs. Of those receivers, Vidal Hazelton had the most memorable catch, with a 48-yard touchdown reception that involved numerous twists and turns by Hazelton after the catch. (The actual catch of the day, however, was Fred Davis‘ one-handed touchdown grab.)
• The Trojans outgained the Irish 462 yards to 165. And a lot of those Irish yards came very late in the game against USC’s backups.
• Speaking of USC’s defense, they recorded five sacks on the night. (The Irish, by comparison, never once sacked Sanchez.) They also forced three Irish turnovers to the Trojans’ one. (USC’s turnover, by the way, came in the final minute on a fumble by Hershel Dennis.) Kevin Ellison even recorded his first interception of the season.
• Although USC could not get their running game going in the first half, the final stats show a surprisingly balanced offensive attack: 235 yards passing and 227 yards rushing. USC actually wound up averaging 6.3 yards per carry, with their second-half ground game highlighted by Joe McKnight’s 51-yard run for his first career touchdown. The Trojans also utilized their fullback more often than any game in recent memory, with Stanley Havili getting six carries from scrimmage. Play action was also used frequently, with the Trojans forced to turn to deception to compensate for their weakened offensive line.
• RB Allen Bradford actually got into the game–and in the first half, no less. Although he wasn’t given any carries, the coaches finally realized that he is the only Trojan running back (other than Desmond Reed) able to catch the ball, and he hooked up with Sanchez for an 8-yard touchdown reception. Maybe we will see him on the field in passing situations more in future games.  (McKnight was also utilized in passing situations on Saturday, with less successful results.)
• USC’s penalty total went back up after a more disciplined game last week, with the Trojans flagged eight times.
• Although Greg Woidneck had one of his punts blocked, USC’s special teams made up for it by blocking a field goal attempt and recovering a muffed punt return to set up the Trojans’ first score of the game.

Injury updates

• Perhaps the most surprising aspect of the Trojans’ dominating victory over Notre Dame: USC did not sustain any additional injuries. McKnight suffered a tailbone bruise early in the game, but it didn’t seem to affect him in the second half. Otherwise, no other Trojans left the field needing treatment–a big departure from the previous six games.
• Although he was certainly not close to 100%, RB Stafon Johnson (foot) returned to action, gaining 47 yards on eight carries.
• LB Rey Maualuga (hip pointer) not only managed to play, he also recorded two sacks. Not bad for a guy in pain. And fellow injured linebacker Brian Cushing (ankle) not only played, but started, after missing most of the previous five games. CB Shareece Wright, who was also doubtful because of injuries, was also able to work his way back into the rotation.
• As expected, offensive linemen Chilo Rachal and Sam Baker did not play, but each could be back for the Oregon game.

More stats and articles about this game: TrojanUpdate’s Game Recap: USC-Notre Dame
Sanchez’s four touchdowns lead Trojans’ rout of Irish (AP via ESPN)
Heroes and zeros for Trojans (LA Times)
Plaschke: Sanchez should keep starting USC quarterback job (LA Times)
USC pounds Notre Dame, 38-0 (OC Register)
Miller: Sanchez making Carroll’s decision tough (OC Register)
USC notes: Hazelton catching on (OC Register)
Sanchez comes through against Irish (OC Register)
USC 38, Notre Dame 0 (Daily News)
Trojans dominant for a day with 38-0 win at Notre Dame (Press-Enterprise)
USC defense gets one for the history books (Press-Enterprise)
USC demolishes listless Irish (South Bend Tribune)
Bowled over (Chicago Sun-Times)
Backup QB leads USC thumping of Irish (Chicago Tribune)
Irish look red-faced in green (Chicago Tribune)
Weis, Irish sink lower (Chicago Daily Herald)
No. 13 USC pummels hapless Notre Dame (Rivals)
Big Sed’s big day (Rivals)
Notes on a scorecard: Historic romp of the Irish (Rivals)
USC-Notre Dame Game Notes (Scout)