Though Booty’s absence may have had something to do with it, the Trojans are looking to bounce back from their worst offensive performance of the season. They were held to their lowest point total and had 276 yards of offense — 144 below their previous season low — as they were limited to 12 total yards in the second quarter and 50 in the third.

“It was ugly, it was a little bloody, it was a mess for a while there,” said Sanchez, who entered having thrown 10 college passes. “I just couldn’t lose this game, we couldn’t lose this game. We weren’t going to let it happen.”

While the Trojans continue to weigh their quarterback options, the Irish ended speculation of who their starter will be on Tuesday, when Weis announced Evan Sharpley gets the call this week.

Sharpley will be the third starting quarterback for the Irish this season. He was Brady Quinn’s backup last year and was the No. 2 quarterback for Demetrius Jones and Jimmy Clausen during the first seven games of this season.

“I think Evan this week gives us the best chance of winning,” Weis said.

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Sharpley has led Notre Dame to four of its seven offensive touchdowns this year despite his limited play. Clausen isn’t at full strength, according to Weis, but his ineffectiveness in a 27-14 loss to Boston College last Saturday also contributed to the coach’s decision to go with Sharpley.

“The separation between the two isn’t enough for the banged-up guy to start ahead of the fresh guy,” Weis said.

Clausen had thrown for only 60 yards and was intercepted twice before being benched in the second half last week. Sharpley came on to help Notre Dame get back in the game, going 11-of-29 for 135 yards with a touchdown.

The Irish had just 27 yards rushing - they’ve run for more than 50 only once all season — and 222 yards of total offense.

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