LOS ANGELES — Southern California turned the most anticipated September game in years into a mismatch.
Mark Sanchez threw four touchdown passes, Joe McKnight rushed for 105 yards on 12 carries and the top-ranked Trojans crushed No. 5 Ohio State 35-3 on Saturday night.
Ohio State played without star tailback Chris “Beanie” Wells, sidelined because of an injured right foot.
But moving the ball wasn’t the Buckeyes’ biggest problem before the Trojans made it a rout. Instead, they were done in by a few crucial mistakes.
A holding penalty nullified a touchdown during the second quarter, and an errant throw by Todd Boeckman was intercepted and returned for a touchdown by Rey Maualuga.
By the time it was done the only question left was: Can anybody left on USC’s schedule beat these Trojans (2-0) and keep them from playing for a national championship in January for the fourth time this decade?
Ohio State (2-1), a decisive loser in the last two national championship games, will have a difficult time making it back for a third, even if the Buckeyes win another Big Ten title.
Ohio State gained only 35 yards during the second half.
Sanchez finished 17-of-28 for 172 yards with one interception before being relieved by freshman Aaron Corp midway through the fourth quarter.
Boeckman completed 14-of-21 passes for 84 yards with two interceptions. Freshman Terrelle Pryor, who split time at quarterback, provided some spark and had to leave some Buckeyes fans wondering if their quarterback of the future may soon be Ohio State’s starter. The highly touted Pryor went 7-of-9 for 52 yards and also gained 40 yards on 11 carries.
Dan Herron, filling in for Wells, led the Buckeyes in rushing with 51 yards on 11 carries.
