USC Spring Game: Top Position Battles to Watch in White vs. Cardinal Clash

It may not count for anything in the standings, but when the USC Trojans take part in their annual spring game on Saturday, there will be plenty at stake. USC's postseason ban is officially over, and with quarterback Matt Barkley returning, the Trojans are among the favorites to win the Pac-12 and to perhaps play for the National Championship.

Even championship-caliber teams have holes to fill and decisions to make, however, and that is precisely the case with USC. The Trojans did manage to keep most of their top players, but they will inevitably lose a few to the NFL as they do every year, and head coach Lane Kiffin will need to find a way to fill the voids.

The spring game is a great opportunity for certain players to separate themselves from the competition, so here are three important position battles you'll want to keep an eye on during the White vs. Cardinal clash.

Left Tackle: Kevin Graf vs. Aundrey Walker

Although quarterback Matt Barkley decided to return for his senior season, it won't have the benefit of left tackle Matt Kalil protecting his blindside. Kalil is considered to be the consensus top tackle in the draft and is almost a guarantee to be selected in the top five. While that's great for him, it leaves the Trojans in a tough spot, as they have yet to decide who will step in for him. At this point, it appears as though junior Kevin Graf and sophomore Aundrey Walker are the two players left in the running.

It cannot be understated how important this particular battle is because of USC's propensity to lean on the passing game. Barkley figures to be one of the most productive quarterbacks in the nation and a candidate for the Heisman Trophy, but if he doesn't consistently get time to throw, then that won't be the case.

If either Graf or Walker steps up and becomes a solid starter, then that could be the thing that sets the Trojans apart from their competition.

Back-up Quarterback: Cody Kessler vs. Max Wittek

Make no mistake, unless an unfortunate injury sidelines him, Matt Barkley is going to be the man under center for the Trojans this season. With that said, though, there is plenty of intrigue with regards to who wins the back-up spot. Not only would they be in line to start immediately if something were to happen to Barkley, but they would also have the inside track when it comes to starting next season, as Barkley will graduate to the NFL.

The two gunslingers that will do battle in the spring game are red-shirt freshmen Cody Kessler and Max Wittek. The result of that particular competition is highly unlikely to have any bearing on this season, but the winner will be viewed as the future of the program. Both Kessler and Wittek have great pedigrees, but neither has distinguished themselves from the other at this point. There is no question that USC fans will watch this one intently, as either Kessler or Wittek very well may be the Trojans' leader for the next three seasons.

Defensive Tackle: Antwaun Woods vs. J.R. Tavai

No position was hit harder for the Trojans this offseason than defensive line. Not only did stud defensive end Nick Perry graduate, but they lost two integral interior players as well in Christian Tupou and DaJohn Harris. That means that the defensive tackle position will need to be addressed in a big way. All indications are that George Uko will earn one of the starting spots, but the other will either go to freshman Antwaun Woods or sophomore J.R. Tavai.

Both players have a ton of talent, but they are different types of tackles. Woods is more of a space eater at 315 lbs., while the 270 lb. Tavai is lighter on his feet and prefers to penetrate into the backfield. Uko is somewhat of a mix between the two, as he can do a little bit of everything, so it really comes down to Kiffin's preference.

Both Woods and Tavai figure to have every opportunity to earn a starting job during the spring game, and while both will likely play a lot this season, only one can be tabbed as a starter.