USC Spring Game 2012: Grades, Players Who Shined and Analysis

While college football powerhouses held their annual spring games on Saturday, the USC Trojans opted to put on a glorified game of two-hand touch. 

There's not usually a ton to learn from spring games, and with tackling outlawed, that proved especially true in Los Angeles.

Of course, you can't blame Lane Kiffin for wanting to keep the environment safe. The Trojans are already riddled with injuries, and NCAA sanctions have limited their number of scholarship players.

Still, USC is the favorite to win the national championship this season, and a few reasons why were on display at the Coliseum. Here are some takeaways from Saturday's game.

Players Who Shined

Isiah Wiley, CB

Wiley, the former junior college transfer, was all over the place on Saturday.

He broke up numerous passes on the day, including a 45-yard bomb from Matt Barkley to Marqise Lee. He also saved a touchdown by knocking a gorgeous corner fade pass out of the hands of Victor Blackwell.

Wiley did drop an easy interception in the end zone, but that certainly doesn't diminish his performance. This Trojan secondary looks absolutely brutal, and with Wiley leading the charge, they should be shutting teams down all season long.

Marqise Lee, WR

Last year, Lee was dominant. He caught 73 passes for 1,143 yards and 11 touchdowns. Based on his performance Saturday, he's ready to add another great season to his resume.

Despite facing the daunting USC secondary, Lee found a way to be productive. He had several catches on the day, including a one-yard touchdown strike from Barkley that capped off an 11-play, 90-yard drive.

Grades

Matt Barkley: B-

Barkley wasn't at his best, and I think he'd be the first to admit that. Still, he completed 23-of-39 passes for 212 yards, one touchdown and one interception (unofficial stats).

It wasn't a great performance, but I don't think anybody was expecting maximum effort from the Heisman Trophy candidate. After all, this was more like a practice than a regular-season game.

The Backup QB's: C-

Redshirt freshmen Cody Kessler and Max Wittek are battling for the No. 2 spot on the depth chart behind Barkley. And although they had their moments, they were erratic throughout.

Wittek sailed numerous passes after starting out strong, and Kessler's second throw of the game was intercepted by Drew McAllister. However, he redeemed himself by throwing a beautiful 44-yard touchdown late in the game.

The Secondary: A

The secondary is unquestionably the best unit on the Trojans. With Wiley, McAllister and Brian Bachaum lurking around, opposing offenses will have a nightmare trying to throw against this USC team.

The Trojans will pose serious problems for the competition in the regular season. With Barkley and the high-powered offense putting up points, other teams will have to throw to keep up. But against this lethal secondary, I highly doubt that will work.

The defensive backs of USC will be a force to be reckoned with in 2012, and they showed why on Saturday.