5 standouts from USC football's spring game

USC's defense beat the offense 42-34 in the game

LOS ANGELES — USC football ended its annual spring camp with the program's spring game on Saturday inside the Coliseum. The defense beat the offense 42-34. 

Here's who stood out.

SPRING GAME RECAP/LIVE UPDATES

CB JACOBE COVINGTON

Covington had two interceptions, one on Miller Moss and one against Malachi Nelson that came on the last play of the game to seal a win for the defense. 

"I'm just happy to be there for my team," he said.

In a cornerback room that's as crowded as USC's, Covington's big game surely made an impression on the coaching staff. Ceyair Wright, Domani Jackson, Christian Roland-Wallace and Covington will all battle for playing time in the fall. Covington certainly made a good case for why he needs to be on the field in the future. 

RB QUINTEN JOYNER

With multiple lengthy runs including a 26-yard touchdown, Joyner had the best game of any of the freshman early enrollees. He looked like he could factor into the running back rotation this fall due to how hard he runs and how difficult he is to tackle. Fellow freshman tailback A'Marion Peterson also stood out with a 7-yard touchdown run and a 23-yard carry where we hurdled a defender. 

"The true freshman running backs are amazing," USC running back MarShawn Lloyd said. "I tell them that every day. They're really, really good backs. They don't even seem like freshmen to me. They're still getting the playbook, but they're very hard workers and it's only up from here for them."

QB CALEB WILLIAMS

Williams played only three snaps, so he may seem like an odd selection. The three plays resulted in a TD against the first team defense though and overall, Williams' command of the offense was just spectacular — that's why he makes the list. Williams completed both of his throws for 55 yards and a TD. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner was locked in. He had the Trojans offense firing on all cylinders. 

DL SOLOMON TULIAUPUPU

It looks like this fall could be the season Tuliaupupu really makes his mark at USC based on how he's played in the spring. The red shirt senior had a sack and made multiple tackles. He was a player we really noticed. 

"Solo has really improved," USC head coach Lincoln Riley said. "He's definitely been one of the standouts of the spring. He obviously converted to the defensive line [from linebacker] and that was new last year...You're starting to see him become more refined as a player and with that, he's able to win in different ways and he's impacting the game more right now."

S CHRISTIAN PIERCE

Pierce continued to build on his strong spring with an interception of Nelson.

"We've seen Christian make those types of plays this spring," Riley said. "I don't think anyone on either sideline was surprised to see that."

OTHERS

- As previously mentioned, USC's first team offense scored in three plays to start the game. Caleb Williams connected with Brenden Rice for a 45-yard gain on the first play from scrimmage. Austin Jones then rushed for 20 yards before Mario Williams caught a 10-yard touchdown pass. The quick pace and perfect execution was certainly noteworthy. 

Jonah Monheim on the first team USC offense scoring in three plays to begin the spring game: “We’re back baby.”

— Connor Morrissette (@C_Morrissette) April 15, 2023

- Jamil Muhammad had a strip sack of Nelson that gave the defense three points. 

- MarShawn Lloyd had one of the plays of the day when he caught a swing pass and then spun away from defenders for a 34-yard gain.

- Both Zachariah Branch and Raleek Brown flashed as wide receivers. Their elusiveness particularly stood out.

- Ceyair Wright was called for two pass interference penalties but bounced back nicely later in the game in coverage. 

- Jack Sullivan popped on the defensive line a few times.

- Denis Lynch made two field goals from over 40 yards. 

- Sam Greene and Anthony Lucas both recorded sacks.