USC finished last season as college football’s hottest team not named Clemson. The Trojans closed with a nine-game winning streak, minted a Heisman Trophy candidate in quarterback Sam Darnold and won a thrilling Rose Bowl game.
Coach Clay Helton’s grade for the 2016 campaign? Incomplete.
“The fact of the matter is we had a successful season last year,” Helton said on national signing day in February. “But at the end of the day, USC is about winning championships here. We finished third in the country. But our ultimate goal is to finish No. 1.”
Championships, he added, mainly require two ingredients.
“Big men and defense,” he said.
Whether USC has enough of both to reach next season’s four-team national playoff will be the main subplot of spring practices, which begin Tuesday.
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Here are a few of USC’s other big questions heading into the spring:
Who protects Darnold’s blindside?
(And his other side, too.)
Triple-threat Adoree’ Jackson and wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster generated headlines with their early departures to the NFL, but USC’s losses with the biggest effect were its two senior tackles, Chad Wheeler and Zach Banner.
Those two, along with guard Damien Mama, who declared early for the NFL draft, combined for 110 starts on the line.
The only sure bet, barring injury, is that Viane Talamaivao will be at guard. USC should be set at center, too, though the personnel could shift. Nico Falah filled in seamlessly last year after Toa Lobendahn suffered a season-ending knee injury. Both players are back, and whoever doesn’t play center has the versatility to play elsewhere. Helton has said Lobendahn “could play several positions.”
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Otherwise, USC has only questions. Chris Brown is the likely front runner to replace Mama after sharing time with him early last season, but he is relatively inexperienced.
Chuma Edoga was an occasional starter at tackle last season, but he was inconsistent. Clayton Johnston and Nathan Smith are also candidates for the open tackle positions, but they are unproven.
Is there an anchor on defense?
Last season’s most important defensive player was Stevie Tu’ikolovatu, who transferred from Utah and promptly set up residence in opposing backfields. He is out of eligibility.
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His understudy at tackle was Josh Fatu, a junior college transfer. USC will monitor Fatu’s progression closely.
Even if Fatu doesn’t turn into another Tu’ikolovatu in the spring, there should at least be depth and competition.
The Trojans replenished the position with recruits such as Jay Tufele, Brandon Pili and Marlon Tuipulotu. Tuipulotu will get a head start after enrolling early.
At this time a year ago, Kenny Bigelow Jr. was the team’s top defensive tackle. Then he injured his knee during spring practice and missed the season. He is set to return.
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USC Trojans guard Damien Mama celebrates the Trojans’ win over the Penn State Nittany Lions. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times)
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USC Trojans defensive back Adoree’ Jackson celebrates after the Trojans’ beat the Penn State Nittany Lions.
(Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times)
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USC head coach Clay Helton holds aloft the Leishman Trophy after the Trojans beat Penn State 52-49 in the Rose Bowl.
(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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USC kicker Matt Boermeester, 39, celebrates with holder Wyatt Schmidt after making a game-winning 46-yard field goal as time expired to beat Penn State 52-49 in the Rose Bowl Game. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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USC placekicker Matt Boermeester, 39, celebrates with teammates after making a game-winning 46-yard field goal as time expired to beat Penn State 52-49. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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USC Trojans place kicker Matt Boermeester celebrates with teammates after kicking the game winning field goal/ (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times)
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USC’s kicker Matt Boermeester kick the winning field goal against Penn State.
(Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Penn State’s Jordan Smith is called for pass interference on USC receiver Deontay Burnett late in the 4th quarter/
(Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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USC quarterback Sam Darnold wiggles away from Penn State linebacker Jason Kabinda during fourth quarter action.
(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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USC defensive back Leon McQuay steps in front of Penn State receiver Chris Goodwin for an interception in the last minute of the game, setting up a winning drive.
(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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USC’s Leon McQuay intercepts the ball in front of Penn St. receiver Chris Godwin late in the 4th quarter.
(Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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USC strong safety Leon McQuay ntercepts a pass intended for Penn State wide receiver Chris Godwin in the fourth quarter.
(Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
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USC strong safety Leon McQuay III returns an interception of a pass intended for Penn State wide receiver Chris Godwin in the fourth quarter. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
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USC’s Deontay Burnett catches a touchdown pass late in the 4th quarter as Penn St.’s Marcus Allen looks on at the Rose Bowl Monday.
(Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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USC receiver Deontay Burnett hauls in a touchdown pass over Penn State safety Marcus Allen for the game tying score late in the fourth quarter.
(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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USC wide receiver Deontay Burnett makes a touchdown catch against Penn State in the fourth quarter. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
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USC receiver Deontay Burnett, left, and quarterback Sam Darnold celebrate the game-tying touchdown against Penn St. late in the 4th qaurter.
(Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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USC head coach Clay Helton cheers his team on against Penn State in the fourth quarter.
(Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
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The USC defense celebrates as Penn State’s running back Saquon Barkley is stopped on 3rd down late in the 4th quarter.
(Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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USC Trojans tight end Taylor McNamara (48) is congratulated by Teammates after catching a two-point conversion from USC Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold in the second half.
(Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times)
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USC wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster celebrates with teammates after making a touchdown catch against Penn State in the third quarter. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times )
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USC Trojans wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster catches a touchdown pass from USC Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold in the third quarter/
(Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times)
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Penn State wide receiver Chris Godwin takes the ball away from USC defensive back Iman Marshall en route to a touchdown in the third quarter.
(Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
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USC quarterback Sam Darnold throws downfield against Penn State in the third quarter of the Rose Bowl game on Jan. 2. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
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USC receiver Adoree Jackson writhes in pain as he is tackled by Penn State cornerback Christian Campbell during fourth quarter action.
(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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Injured USC defensive back Adoree Jackson is helped off the firld in the third quarter as coach Clay Helton looks on.
(Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
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USC quarterback Sam Darnold loses control of the ball as he is sacked by Penn State defensive end Garrett Sickels during third quarter action.
(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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USC linebacker Uchenna Nwosu tries to fire up the crowd in the fourth quarter.
(Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
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USC running back Chris Hawkins scores a touchdown late in the fourth quarter, leading to a 49-49 tie with Penn State.
(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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USC’s Ronald Jones is lifted into the air after scoring a touchdown against Penn St. at the Rose Bowl Monday.
(Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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USC receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster hauls in a long pass over Penn State cornerback John Reid during a fourth quarter drive. The play was originally called incomplete, but replay showed Schuster made the catch in bounds.
(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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Penn State cornerback Christian Campbell breaks up a pass intended for USC wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster in the third quarter.
(Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
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Penn St. receiver Chris Godwin makes a catch in front of USC’s Leon McQuay in the 2nd quarter.
(Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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USC Trojans defensive tackle Stevie Tu’ikolovatu (96) tackles Penn State Nittany Lions running back Mark Allen (8) in the second half.
(Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times)
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Penn State safety Malik Golden upends USC receiver Adoree Jackson in the third quarter.
(Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
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USC’s Sam Darnold celebrates his touchdown throw to Deontay Burnett against Penn St. in the 2nd quarter.
(Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Penn St. tight end Mike Gesicki catches a touchdown pass in front of USC’s Adoree Jackson, left, and Leon McQuay in the 2nd quarter.
(Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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USC Trojans running back Justin Davis dives for a first down before being tackled by Penn State Nittany Lions linebacker Brandon Bell in first half action.
(Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times)
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Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley scores a touchdown while pursued by USC Trojans linebacker Cameron Smith (35) in the first half.
(Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times)
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Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Mike Gesicki celebrates after catching a touchdown pass in the first half.
(Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times)
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Penn State receiver Chris Godwin flips out of the endzone after catching a touchdown pass over USC defensive back Adoree Jackson during second quarter action.
(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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USC receiver Darreus Rogers makes a diving catch in front of Penn State defensive back Grant Haley during a second quarter drive.
(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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USC quarterback Sam Darnold scrambles for big yards late in the 2nd quarter.
(Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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USC’s Stevie Tu’ikolowafu grabs the face mask of Penn State quarterback Trace McSorley for a penalty during the Rose Bowl on Jan. 2. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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USC Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold eludes Penn State’s cornerback John Reid (29) in the first half.
(Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times)
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Penn St. receiver Chris Godwin makes a diving catch in front of USC’s Adoree Jackson in the 2nd quarter.
(Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Penn St. receiver Chris Godwin makes a catch in front of USC’s Leon McQuay in the 2nd quarter.
(Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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USC quarterback Sam Darnold scrambles for big yards late in the 2nd quarter against Penn St.
(Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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USC wide receiver Adoree Jackson makes his way inside the Penn State five-yard-line after a catch in the second quarter.
(Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
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Penn State wide receiver Chris Godwin makes a one-handed catch against USC strong safety Leon McQuay in the second quarter.
(Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
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USC head coach Clay Helton reacts angrily after officials mistakenly nullified a touchdopwn catch by Trojans wide receiver Deontay Burnett in the second quarter.
(Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
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Penn State quarterback Trace McSorley eludes the tackle of USC end Porter Gustin in first quarter. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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USC Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold throws a touchdown pass to USC Trojans wide receiver Deontay Burnett against the Penn State Nittany Lions in the first half.
(Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times)
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USC receiver Darreus Rogers catches a touchdown pass in front of Penn St.’s Grant Haley in the second quarter.
(Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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USC defensive back Adoree Jackson celebrates with teammate Iman Marshall after intercepting a Penn State pass in the first quarter.
(Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
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The Nittany Lion waits the tunnel before the start of the 2017 Rose Bowl Game.
(Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times)
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Bryce Rogers, left, and Norma Lopez, of Montrose, CA, attends her first Rose Bowl Game.
(Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times)
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Penn State students Sophie Randall, Audrey Zavada, and Kait Yoniske, have their photo taken as they enter the stadium.
(Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times)
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The “Spirit of Troy,” USC Marching Band arrives at the Rose Bowl, hours before the Trojans and the Penn State Nittany Lions play in the Rose Bowl game.
(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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USC football fans cheer for their Trojans team before the start of the 103rd Rose Bowl game against the Penn State Nittany Lions in Pasadena on Monday.
(Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
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Penn State football fans cheer for the Nittany Lions before the start of the 103rd Rose Bowl game against the USC Trojans in Pasadena on Monday.
(Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
Can the receivers find their mojo without JuJu?
Darnold’s tendency to diversify his passing targets lessens the sting of losing Smith-Schuster to the draft. But the departure still hurts.
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Smith-Schuster’s last reception at USC — a crucial, acrobatic over-the-shoulder catch along the sideline in tight coverage late in the Rose Bowl — showed why. Few receivers are capable of such a play.
Is there another No. 1 receiver on the roster? Deontay Burnett showed potential from the slot position. In the Rose Bowl, he caught 13 passes for 164 yards and three touchdowns, including the game-tying score. But it was his only 100-yard performance of the season.
The Trojans loaded last year’s recruiting class with talent at receiver. Only Michael Pittman Jr. saw regular time. USC will need redshirts such as Tyler Vaughns and Josh Imatorbhebhe to make strides.
Is cornerback ‘Biggie’ Marshall ready for big time?
Iman Marshall showed improved consistency after a penalty-riddled freshman campaign. In terms of touchdowns allowed, he outpaced the Trojans’ No. 1 cornerback, Jackson, who left early for the NFL draft.
But there was a major difference: Jackson usually drew the opposing team’s best receiver.
Marshall was considered perhaps the best cornerback in the nation when he committed out of Long Beach Poly. Proving he was worthy of that rating begins now.
Who will be Darnold’s understudy?
In the Rose Bowl, USC faced two unattractive choices should anything have befallen Darnold: Burn Matt Fink’s redshirt year or turn to Jalen Greene, who spent most of his time at receiver.
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Darnold stayed healthy and Helton avoided the decision. He could face a similar problem this season.
USC returned to San Clemente, where Darnold went to high school, to pick up his high school replacement, Jack Sears. Sears, who enrolled early, could prove to be a better option than Fink. But USC may want to redshirt Sears, as it did Darnold. If Sears dazzles during the spring and fall camps, he may make that decision tougher.
At USC, the redshirt dilemma often solves itself. If a quarterback is an NFL-caliber talent, he often departs for the draft before four seasons of eligibility anyway. If he is not, the Trojans usually recruit quarterbacks ready to unseat him.
USC SPRING PRACTICE SCHEDULE
Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, March 21, 23, 25, 28 and 30, April 1, 4, 6, 8, 11, 13 and 15.
Tuesday and Thursday practices begin at 3:15 p.m. Saturday practices begin at 10 a.m.
All practices, except the Spring Game, are open to the public and will be held on campus at Howard Jones Field/Brian Kennedy Field. The Spring Game is April 15, noon, at the Coliseum. Tickets are $11.50.
Zach Helfand is a former sports reporter for the Los Angeles Times. He is a proud New Jerseyan and Michigan graduate and previously interned with The Times, the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Baltimore Sun, USA Today and the Trentonian (N.J.).
