USC Spring Game: Players to Watch for as Trojans Begin BCS Championship Campaign

The USC Trojans are eligible to compete in a college football postseason game for the first time in two years.

The ban has ended at a good time, as this team is red-hot and ready to win another BCS Championship, which they haven’t done since 2004 (a title which isn’t recognized by the NCAA following the Reggie Bush scandal).

With the semester practices ending on Friday, the focus now turns towards Saturday’s annual spring game, before a long summer washes over the Los Angeles campus.

Let’s take a look at the players and the position battles that you’ll want to watch during the game.

Established Stars to Keep an Eye On

Matt Barkley

After a somewhat surprising decision to not declare for the 2012 draft, Barkley is arguably the best returning starter at the QB position in the nation.

According to Bovada, he’s a favorite to win the Heisman at 7/2 odds. His team is also expected to win the national championship, with 4/1 odds.

With Andrew Luck out of the conference, it’s time for Barkley to take control.

Robert Woods

Last year, Woods recorded 111 catches for 1,292 yards and 15 touchdowns. The kid is simply a stud and isn’t getting the credit he deserves.

Look for him to become the No. 1 receiver in college ball during the 2012 season.

Curtis McNeal

This diminutive junior running back was able to breach the 1,000-yard mark last year and made plenty of big plays.

He’s going to add some stability to the Trojans backfield and give them a solid option when Barkley isn’t slinging the rock.

Position Battle to Watch

 Isiah Wiley vs. Brian Bauchman (CB) 

Nickell Robey has established himself as the clear No. 1 corner at USC, but there is a battle going on for the right to start opposite him.

Wiley currently owns the position on the depth chart, but Bauchman has been killing it at practice and has a real shot of stealing the job.

Anthony Brown, Torin Harris and Ryan Henderson are also in the running.