Optimism, Concern at Scrimmage

With its tailback corps and much of its defense depleted by injury, the element of the spectacular was lacking Sunday during USC’s annual spring scrimmage at the Coliseum.

Instead, the Trojans provided an estimated crowd of about 15,000 with a mostly subdued exhibition during a 94-play scrimmage that provided reasons for optimism and concern.

Quarterback Mark Sanchez, a redshirt freshman, continued to progress, completing 13 of 21 passes for 146 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions against the first-team defense.

“I did OK, I tried to play within the system, kept everything simple and let other guys make their plays,” said Sanchez, who is expected to battle junior John David Booty for the starting job in training camp in August. Booty is recovering from back surgery.

Sophomore receiver Patrick Turner caught touchdown passes from Sanchez and Michael McDonald, fullback Ryan Powdrell played tailback and carried 10 times for 81 yards, including a 56-yard run, and walk-on receiver Brad Walker caught seven passes for 75 yards.

Linebacker Rey Maualuga made nine tackles and walk-on linebacker Clay Matthews intercepted a pass by McDonald, forced one fumble and recovered another. The offense fumbled four times.

“That’s definitely an issue,” Coach Pete Carroll said of the turnovers. “The inexperience at the running back spot, that could give us a big problem if that continues. We’ll see how that all goes when we get back to camp with all the new guys.”

USC has three spring workouts remaining. Carroll said the Trojans would focus on Sanchez, the kicking game and increasing the workload for linebackers Dallas Sartz and Brian Cushing and safety Kevin Ellison, who are coming back from surgeries.

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McDonald completed 19 of 27 passes for 191 yards, including touchdowns of 10 yards to tight end Fred Davis, 18 yards to Turner and 26 yards to Walker. Mario Danelo kicked 30- and 38-yard field goals.... Carroll said Sanchez would be the holder for field goals and extra points.