USC Spring Game 2018: Date, Start Time, TV Schedule, Live Stream and More

Transition is the theme surrounding USC as the Trojans head into their spring game on Saturday.

With Sam Darnold headed to the NFL draft and a handful of quarterbacks ready to compete for the gig, head coach Clay Helton hasn't pulled any punches on the pace of his team's rebound after the rough Cotton Bowl loss at the hands of Ohio State to end last year's otherwise successful season. 

Making things a tad stranger this year is the locale of the event. Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum is out of the question thanks to renovations, meaning the game will take place at Cromwell Field. 

Here's everything to know about the critical event. 

2018 USC Spring Game

When: Saturday, April 14, at 3 p.m. ET

Where: Cromwell Field (Loker Track Stadium)

TV: Pac-12 Network

Live Stream: Pac-12.com

The open practice and scrimmage alternative presented by the Trojans this year will tell fans much about the team's immediate future—except at quarterback. 

"We are nowhere near where we need to be right now," Helton said, according to the Los Angeles Times' Lindsey Thiry. "We've got a lot of good work that's got to get done."

It's no easy task replacing Darnold, a prospect with a chance of coming off the board No. 1 in the 2018 NFL draft a year removed from throwing for 4,143 yards with 26 touchdowns against 13 interceptions. 

This year's battle comes down to Matt Fink and redshirt freshman Jack Sears—at least for now, with freshman J.T. Daniels inbound this fall. Fink only attempted nine passes a year ago and Sears has yet to take the field, so the battle to replace a potential top overall pick will decide much about the Trojans. 

Fans showing up Saturday can expect to see more of the same from the two current quarterbacks during the practice session, as captured by Ryan Abraham of 247 Sports:

Not that Helton isn't confident, as the plan all along has been to lean on other aspects of the team to carry the quarterbacks along as they get comfortable. 

"I thought that was kind of our blueprint," Helton said, according to Thiry. "What we are going to need to be early in the season, with the ability to run the ball and then play-action off of it. Make it a Simple Simon game for the quarterbacks and watch them function."

The rest of the team looks great on paper, too. Running back Aca'Cedric Ware should be the starter with Ronald Jones II leaving for the NFL. He's just as talented but dealt with small setbacks that had him losing the job to Jones. 

Also big for fans in attendance and USC's chances next year are the return of injured defensive cornerstones. Linebacker Porter Gustin is back and ready to assume a leadership role, and promising cornerback Jonathan Lockett will return after missing all of last season and start. 

Gustin has predictably been the star of the show so far, per Reign of Troy: 

Trench play should stand out as well. The Trojans return four starters on the offensive line in front of the new-look quarterback room and seven starters on defense. Armed with top-tier prospects at skill positions otherwise, it isn't hard to see why there's a sense of calm despite the question mark under center. 

Fans will get to see the well-rounded team and open process firsthand Saturday, where much is different but cautious optimism should remain in the air. 

 Broadcast and spring game info via USCTrojans.com.