Today marked the seventeenth annual Trojan Huddle, when USC plays its annual Spring Football game for fans and alumni. About 6,000 people flooded the Coliseum on an overcast, then sunny, Saturday afternoon to watch the National Champions gear up for next year. In a simulated Overtime, after a "final" score of 13-14, the Cardinal team defeated the Gold team 20-14. Here is what I took away from the event:

The Good

USC's Defense didn't miss a step from the 2003 Campaign. In fact, the USC Defense appeared to improve in some areas. One improvement that was impressive was their ability to contain the lateral moves of the offense. Sweeps, hitches and screens all were well contained--showing the Coach Pete Carroll has made some adjustments since last year.

On the other side of the ball, Tight End Alex Holmes and Receiver Whitney Lewis were especially impressive and will provide good targets for QB Matt Leinart as he launches his Heisman Campaign. Likewise, former defensive back William Buchannon played at Wide Receiver and may be the closest thing to Mike Williams as an oversized target for the QB.

The tailbacks continued to show their ability to break open the big play. Yet again, "The President", Reggie Bush, looked at his best as a receiver, coming out of the backfield. Meanwhile, Sophomore LenDale White was the most consistent in finding the holes created by the offensive line and breaking through for the big play.

Finally, on Special Teams, Punter Tom Malone was nonpareil. Tom consistently punted the ball more than 50 yards and had one play that made the referee fall over himself running backwards it went so far (68 yards, I think).

The Bad

Despite promising prospects, the National Champions still have not found a replacement for Mike Williams at wide receiver after he left early for the NFL. Although QB Matt Leinart appears to be more nimble than in the past, he is still throwing the ball to lead receiver Steve Smith as if he were throwing it to Williams. Smith, however, is markedly shorter and has less jumping ability than his predecessor.

The field goal unit remains inconsistent--as you may recall, a missed field goal in overtime accounted for USC's only loss in 2003, against the California Bears. Unfortunately, field goals are still being missed or coming too close to comfort for USC to have to rely on the kicking game.

The Ugly

USC's backup quarterback situation is an embarassment of riches. John David Booty is back from the injury he suffered against UCLA and is able to throw a mean pass. Brandon Hance has gotten over his first reaction to run the ball when he gets in trouble and ran the offense efficiently (until the overtime period). Newbie Mike MacDonald looked good in the one series he played as well. In all, these three guys could play at almost any other Division I school and could start at UCLA any day...but then they wouldn't get National Championship rings! When I say "ugly" I am referring to how terrible it is that these guys must sit on the bench bacause, as these pictures attest, ugly, they are not:

Brandon Hance

John David Booty

Mike MacDonald