USC Spring Game: Storylines for Trojans Fans to Be Aware of

The 2012 college football season is a long way away, but today is the day of USC's spring game. Kickoff is at 1:30 p.m. local time at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. USC's official website has all the vital information.

There are, however, a few things that the website won't tell you about the game itself. If you haven't been following the team all that closely in recent weeks, you might not be aware of some of the key storylines that are going to affect the spring game.

Here's a helpful rundown to get everyone caught up.

Robert Woods Will Not Be in Action

Robert Woods is coming off a huge sophomore season and he's going to be a huge part of the team's plans once fall rolls around. But right now, he has no choice but to remain sidelined.

As reported by the Associated Press, Woods is not practicing this spring as he recovers from offseason ankle surgery. All he's been able to do are simple warm-up drills, and will be sitting  out the contest (if you can call it that).

On the bright side, fellow wideout Marqise Lee will be in action. He's had a terrific spring, so keep an eye on him if you're looking to see a big play or two.

Matt Barkley Will Barely Play

All eyes are going to be on Matt Barkley in 2012, as he's looking to lead the Trojans back to national championship glory, and possibly take home the Heisman Trophy in the process.

All eyes will be on Barkley on for the spring game too, but not for long.

According to Gary Paskwietz of ESPN, Barkley is likely to get just "token" work in the early tuneup, and a few passes will suffice.

Lane Kiffin knows what he has in Barkley; he doesn't know what he has in Max Wittek or Cody Kessler, who are battling to be Barkley's backup.

USC's Secondary Is Better Than You Remember

If you're looking for a standout unit to watch, I recommend the secondary.

Yes, this would be the same secondary that gave the Trojans the 102nd-ranked pass defense in 2011. Many of the same players are returning, which would seem to be a bad thing.

It's not. As reported by ESPN's Erik McKinney, the Trojans secondary is a unit on the rise, in no small part because of new secondary coach Marvin Sanders. It's going to be a very good unit in 2012.

Trojans fans will be treated to a sneak peak in the intrasquad contest. 

The Left Tackle Battle Is Over

With Matt Kalil gone to the NFL, a big question surrounding the Trojans heading into the offseason was who would take over left tackle duties.

The battle for the left tackle spot was expected to rage all spring. In reality, it's already over.

Earlier this week, Pedro Moura of ESPN Los Angeles reported that sophomore Aundrey Walker has already been told that he's going to stay at left tackle for the rest of the spring. Redshirt junior Kevin Graf has lost the battle, as he will stay at right tackle.

Look for the Trojans to have a very good offensive line once again in 2012.

There Will Be No Tackling

Looking forward to seeing dudes hit other dudes again? Well, too bad. There won't be any tackling taking place at the Coliseum. Not out on the field, anyway.

McKinney (see above link) has reported that Coach Kiffin has decided to cut tackling out of the game. It's understandable why he came to that decision, as the Trojans have already had a number of injuries arise so far this spring.

So, I hope you like two-hand touch football. That's what you'll be watching.