Four things to watch as USC begins spring football practice

Trojans coach Lincoln Riley has plenty of work to do this spring with nearly a dozen starters to replace on offense and defense. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

After a disappointing 8-5 season salvaged only by a morale-boosting bowl win, USC opens spring practice Tuesday surrounded by more skepticism than optimism.

The Trojans have to replace 12 starters on offense and defense, including a Heisman Trophy winner.

They have a rebuilt defensive coaching staff with a new coordinator who must deliver on head coach Lincoln Riley’s promise that USC will play “great defense.”

They have a new conference waiting and a lot of work to do.

Here are four things to watch as USC beings practice Tuesday:

Is it still Miller’s Time?

He won over his teammates and won the Holiday Bowl, but Miller Moss’ six-touchdown passing performance against Louisville might not have been enough to win the starting quarterback job.

The redshirt junior will compete with transfer Jayden Maiava to secure the starting role in the post-Caleb Williams era. Maiava, a redshirt sophomore, threw for 3,085 yards and 17 touchdowns last year at UNLV and completed 63% of his throws after season-opening starter Doug Brumfield suffered an injury in Week 3.

USC quarterback Miller Moss throws a pass under pressure from Louisville defensive lineman Ashton Gillotte during the second half of the Trojans’ win in the Holiday Bowl. (Denis Poroy / Associated Press)

“We’re going to let those guys duke it out,” Riley said last month. “That’s kind of what it’s all about. I think there’s two starter-level players in that room, two guys that have kind of proved it in different ways already and they’re both going to certainly get their shot here.”

While Riley suggested before the bowl game he would pursue two transfer quarterbacks, he said Miller’s performance against…

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Author : LA Times

Publish date : 2024-03-19 11:00:17

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