Five questions for USC football

Coach Lane Kiffin, his staff and players finally get onto the field together Wednesday, which should serve as a haven from the tumult that has shaken USC this summer. Staff writer Gary Klein examines five issues facing the Trojans as they prepare for their Sept. 2 opener at Hawaii and a challenging season.

1 Will players be motivated without a Bowl Championship Series title or bowl bid to play for?

The Trojans have adopted an us-against-the-world mentality in the aftermath of severe NCAA sanctions. That attitude should serve them well early in the season against Hawaii, Virginia and Minnesota. But with no shot at playing in a national title game, what happens if the Trojans hit a bump during Pacific 10 Conference play? They still could win the Associated Press national title, but probably only if they finish unbeaten.

USC never lost two games in a row in Pete Carroll’s final eight seasons as coach. Part of that was because of the fact that USC always had something to look ahead to and play for, so regaining focus and keeping the team together was easier.

If losses occur this season, USC coaches will be doubly challenged to quell selfish play and keep family, friends and, yes, agents, out of players’ ears.

2 Have transfers and de-commits left USC with an irreparably depleted roster?

Six players transferred and two recruits — including offensive lineman Seantrel Henderson — were granted releases, leaving USC with 71 scholarship players. That’s 14 fewer than the NCAA maximum and four fewer than the Trojans will be allowed to carry over the next three seasons if USC is unsuccessful in its appeal of the sanctions.

The potential problem is most obvious along the offensive line, which is versatile but already thin and annually sustains multiple injuries.

Coaches have said that with fewer players they will have to cut back on practice reps to reduce the risk of injury. Coaching styles might also require adjustment, because players sensing a lack of opportunity or disrespect could be spurred to leave. Juniors and seniors can take advantage of a sanctions-mandated exemption that allows them to transfer without sitting out a season elsewhere.

3 Can coaching, rather than controversy, become Lane Kiffin’s calling card?

Kiffin, 35, was 5-15 in one-plus seasons as coach of the Oakland Raiders and 7-6 in one season at Tennessee. Not exactly Paterno-esque, but then neither was Carroll when he arrived at USC before the 2001 season and hired Kiffin as tight ends coach.

The recent Tennessee Titans lawsuit aside, Kiffin has steered clear of the Lane Violation moniker he was tagged with in Knoxville.

Kiffin acknowledges that he has something to prove as a coach, but only to himself.

4 Is quarterback Matt Barkley ready to become a legitimate star?

Carroll and former offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates propped up Barkley during his freshman season and the results were mixed, though some of the quarterback’s struggles could be attributed to injuries.

Barkley appeared fitter and much smoother during spring practice and, with 12 starts on his resume, appears poised for a more consistent performance.

If the offensive line is solid, senior wideout Ronald Johnson avoids injury and the rest of the receiving corps steps up, Barkley could make a big leap.

5 Which freshmen will be impact players this season?

Running back Dillon Baxter and receiver Kyle Prater both made big plays during spring practice. Receivers Robert Woods and Markeith Ambles will get long looks during training camp.

But these are new, leaner times at USC. As Kiffin and his staff plan ahead for managing smaller recruiting classes, look for more freshmen to redshirt.

gary.klein@latimes.com