5 takeaways from the USC spring football video game

LOS ANGELES-- Here are some takeaways from USC's spring football game, won by the defense by the score of 42-34.

Defense remains unstable

Let's get this part out of the way, shouldn't we?

The USC defense was constantly going to be the system that got one of the most scrutiny in the spring game after an offseason wondering if it could repair all the issues that existed in 2022. When the USC offense drove 75 backyards in three plays on the opening series of the game, it spelled problem for Alex Grinch's beleaguered unit.

The Trojan defense published simply one three-and-out in the very first half, on the 2nd drive of the video game. The next drive, USC trotted out its first-team defense versus the third-team offense. A good match to increase the confidence and perception of the D, right?

Except that the third-team O-line mashed USC's protective front to establish a 45-yard carry by freshman running back Quinten Joyner. Only two Mason Murphy incorrect starts permitted the defense to escape permitting just a field goal.

This isn't to state the defense didn't have its minutes. Jacobe Covington picked off 2 passes in completion zone, and Christian Pierce obstructed a Malachi Nelson floater along the sideline. And the defense started the 2nd half strong, with Anthony Lucas, Jamil Muhammad and Raesjon Davis putting pressure on the quarterback.

But by that time, the USC offense had pulled most of its starters. The only starting offensive lineman in the video game was Jonah Monheim, who was experimenting at center after beginning at ideal tackle.

So, yeah, there's still more for USC to address on the defense. Specifically on the interior of the defensive line. However with the transfer website about to open, USC has chances to do just that.

Still, head coach Lincoln Riley felt favorable about the advancement of the USC defense this spring.

" The distinction in the front-seven is noticeable," Riley stated. "You see, Year 2, some of these men begin to take off and all of an abrupt everything's not so brand-new for them.
If there was one gamer who made a name for himself throughout the spring game, it was Joyner. He capped his day with a 26-yard goal run toward the end of the first half.

Overall, it was a good day for the USC run video game. The line did an excellent task stopping and developing area. South Carolina transfer MarShawn Lloyd didn't shine too much on the ground, but drew some oohs from the Coliseum crowd with a 25-yard catch in which he tiptoed down the sideline, then spun around to make a tackler miss and pick up extra lawns. Freshman A'Marion Peterson hurdled and added a late td over a protector.

I inform them that every day," Lloyd said of the 2 freshmen. "They do not even seem like freshmen to me.

One curiosity was sophomore Raleek Brown, anticipated to play a popular role in the offense this year, receiving one carry on an end-around. But that could be Riley keeping some play styles near the chest. Brown did include a great jump-ball catch against Domani Jackson toward the end of the game.

Operate in progress

Freshman quarterback Malachi Nelson had a hard time for much of the day. He missed on his first four attempts, regularly throwing the ball well short of receivers even on button hooks. He had a lost fumble and two interceptions and just didn't appear comfy with the offense in his very first public showcase.

Redshirt sophomore Miller Moss had a nice day with his arm and feet, and looks comfy in the backup role for USC.

Branch strong

Highly hired freshman receiver Zachariah Branch dropped his very first target of the day, but settled to be a reputable option in short-yardage tosses for USC's quarterbacks. He also showed some unexpected strength, given his 5-foot-10 frame and the truth that he registered in college only three months back. He pushed linebacker Shane Lee away on one play, then spun out of a Jaylin Smith deal with attempt on his longest conclusion of the day.

" His strength in the weight room as a freshman is insane," receiver Dorian Singer said. "He's extraordinary. Fast, freakish. What you see on the screen is what you get in practice."

Heisman back house

Quarterback Caleb Williams didn't do much on the field. He led that opening, 75-yard goal drive with a 45-yard pass to Brenden Rice before finding Mario Williams in the corner of the end zone. After that, he put his helmet down for the remainder of the day.

However he did receive USC's copy of his 2022 Heisman Trophy at halftime. He was flanked by colleagues from last year's group, including Brett Neilon and Travis Dye, as he raised the prize over his head.