Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum at Noon PT on Pac-12 Network
Trojans to Watch: Second-Year Wide ReceiversUSC is forced to replace a lot of production at the receiver position after the departures of JuJu Smith-Schuster, Darreus Rogers, Isaac Whitney and De'Quan Hampton, who will all be in attendance on Saturday to collect their Rose Bowl rings. While the Trojans still have Rose Bowl hero Deontay Burnett and versatile veteran Jalen Greene, a new crop of pass catchers will be on full display, including sophomore Michael Pittman Jr. (pictured) and redshirt freshmen Tyler Vaughns, Velus Jones Jr., and Josh Imatorbhebhe. The exciting quartet has shown tremendous improvement over the five weeks of spring football, building chemistry with QB Sam Darnold. The Spring Game provides a nice showcase for the young receivers to put their talents on full display.
3 Keys
Last Men Standing
The USC roster has been ravaged by injuries this spring, so head coach Clay Helton explained that Saturday's exhibition will look more like a practice than a game. The Trojans simply don't have enough bodies to divide into two teams and go at it. However, there are several competitive portions on the schedule, providing the healthy players a chance to make an impression on their coaches and the fans. Keep an eye on several position battles as young Trojans like DL Marlon Tuipulotu, ILB John Houston Jr., CB Jack Jones, RB Vavae Malepeai, DB Jamel Cook, TE Cary Angeline, OL Roy Hemsley and others are making a strong push for playing time.
The Interludes
The crowd will be treated to three in-game ceremonies, headlined by the return of the NFL-bound seniors and juniors from last season's Rose Bowl champions. Along with a first look at the rosy rings, the Trojan Family will also be introduced to the 2017 recruiting class, which was ranked in the national top five. Plus, the record-setting USC men's basketball team will be saluted on the field. Finally, fans will get a chance to line up for autographs after the game as all Trojans will be signing at tables.
Just a Taste
This is your last chance to enjoy Trojan football for several months, so don't miss out. The new season kicks off on Saturday, September 2, when USC hosts Western Michigan. The 2017 home schedule is loaded with big games, including Texas, Stanford, Utah and UCLA. Click here for ticket information. The Trojans have high hopes for this season with the return of Rose Bowl MVP Sam Darnold, rushing leader Ronald Jones II, leading tackler Cam Smith, sack leader Rasheem Green and much more.
