6 takeaways from USC football’s first spring game under Lincoln Riley

Transfers like ex-Oklahoma teammates Caleb and Mario Williams and former Auburn OLB Romello Height shine Saturday

Adam Grosbard (OC Register)  —  LOS ANGELES — After his first public event at USC, new Trojans football coach Lincoln Riley was pleased following Saturday’s spring game in front of a program-record 33,427 fans.

His team had gone back-and-forth, with neither the offense nor defense allowing the other side to dominate the exhibition. USC had played a clean half of football, with only two penalties, both on the defensive side. Perhaps most importantly, the game been a good representation in his opinion of how the spring had gone as a whole.

Even amid that satisfaction, Riley could not resist the temptation to look toward the future.

“I’d be lying if you told I wasn’t starting to think ahead a little bit towards what it would feel like in the fall when that place is packed,” Riley said.

1. Williams-to-Williams connection

Quarterback Caleb Williams and receiver Mario Williams (no relation) both followed Riley to USC from Oklahoma. And the relationship they developed in Norman was on full display Saturday.

Both of Caleb Williams’ touchdown passes went to Mario Williams. Each time, the latter found a spot in the corner of the end zone to go up and make the grab, the first coming over the head of another Oklahoma transfer, Latrell McCutchin.

Mario Williams finished with four catches for 32 yards and the two scores. Caleb Williams completed his first nine passes before struggling late with two three-and-outs to close the day.

“Gotta get better at moving the ball in the second half,” Caleb Williams said. “Defense did well responding because we came out firing in the first half.”

2. Miller Moss finishes strong

Quarterback Miller Moss faltered in his first drive but overall had a strong day, completing 75% of his passes for 173 yards, including a 48-yard touchdown to Kyle Ford in which the receiver beat corner Ceyair Wright one-on-one down the field.

3. Spreading the ball around

It’s the spring game, so a lot of players are always going to get involved, but it was worth noting that 10 different Trojans caught passes Saturday, something Riley offenses have featured in the past. Kyron Ware-Hudson had a nice day with four catches for 36 yards, snagging one jump ball along the sideline.

4. Offensive line depth concerns

Overall, the offensive line had a good day. There were a few lost battles, but no penalties, and some good run blocking early in the scrimmage.

But depth has been a concern at the position all spring, and Saturday is was clear why. The second-team line featured walk-on Joe Bryson, who got beat badly by Nick Figueroa on a third down to give up a sack.

Things should get better for USC when Virginia transfer Bobby Haskins gets healthy and slides in at starting left tackle. But USC will need to add to the position via the transfer portal before fall camp.

5. Tuli Tuipulotu ready for a big year

The junior defensive lineman was a big factor for USC last year but constantly faced double teams. With a deeper line around him, Tuipulotu showed his burst into the backfield with two tackles of RB Travis Dye for a loss before Dye could react.

6. Romello Height, edge threat

The Auburn transfer was active as an edge rusher Saturday, with one sack in which he blazed by left tackle Courtland Ford and caught Williams for a 5-yard loss.

ocregister.com

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