On a day when Pete Carroll satisfied fans’ expectations–and, judging from our poll results, their wishes–by naming Mark Sanchez the starting quarterback for USC’s matchup with Oregon, one-time starter John David Booty sat out of practice to rest his injured finger. Booty is capable of playing if needed on Saturday, but the plan now is to have him refrain from throwing again until Tuesday. In the meantime, however, many of his injured teammates are returning to action:

• OT Drew Radovich sat out practice for the second consecutive day, but still expects to start Saturday, indicating that his back pack is much less severe than it was during fall camp. If his condition worsens, however, Butch Lewis would replace him at right tackle, after starting last week at left tackle.
• Fellow linemen Chilo Rachal and Sam Baker were both able to practice without major problems for the second straight day, and are on track to return against the Ducks, with Rachal a lock to start. USC’s projected starting offensive line of Radovich, Rachal, Baker, Matt Spanos, and Jeff Byers have yet to play together in a game; Saturday could change that.
• C Kris O’Dowd (knee) was cleared for contact and practiced with the service team on Thursday. If he is not ready to return Saturday, it looks like he should definitely be ready for the Oregon State game the following week.
• RB Joe McKnight was able to practice despite a bruised tailbone that was reaggravated on Wednesday.

Insider: Dueling Tupous; Sanchez to start (Rivals, $)
USC coach Pete Carroll decides to start Mark Sanchez (LA Times)
USC’s Sedrick Ellis tackles issue head-on (LA Times)
Carroll makes the call: Sanchez to start at Oregon (OC Register)
Sanchez will start at quarterback for USC (Press-Enterprise)
Point of no return (Daily Trojan)