LOS ANGELES — Southern California quarterback Mark Sanchez did some work in practice Wednesday, giving the Trojans hope that he’ll be able to play against Arizona State on Saturday at the Los Angeles Coliseum.

“Much better today,” USC coach Pete Carroll said.

Sanchez suffered a bone bruise in his left knee in the third quarter of USC’s 44-10 victory over Oregon last Saturday.

“He threw the ball really well and practiced really well,” Carroll said. “This is what the doctors hoped he could do. We’ll see what happens after today’s work. If he’s no worse off, he’ll practice the whole practice tomorrow, or the majority of it.”

Sanchez, in his first full season as USC’s starter, has already been selected the Pac-10 offensive player of the week three times this year, having thrown for 1,069 yards and 13 touchdowns.

If Sanchez can’t go, he’ll be replaced by Mitch Mustain, a sophomore transfer from Arkansas who completed 5 of 8 passes for 111 yards and a touchdown with an interception against Oregon.

Carpenter doubtful

TEMPE, Ariz. — Arizona State coach Dennis Erickson said quarterback Rudy Carpenter, hobbled by a left ankle injury, “is very doubtful” for the Sun Devils’ game at No. 8 South California on Saturday.

Carpenter, hurt last week in a loss to California, didn’t practice Wednesday night.

Erickson does not plan to make a decision until later in the week, but he indicated that backup Danny Sullivan would make his first career start.

“Our plan is that Sully’s going to play,” Erickson said.