USC Football: Fall Camp Primer

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

After much anticipation spanning most of the summer months in Southern California, the beginning of Fall Camp kicks off Saturday with the first full practice of the season.

Matt Barkley, Khaled Holmes and T.J. McDonald have left for the NFL this spring following outstanding four-year careers in Southern California. That being said, the Trojans are enthusiastic for a fresh new slate this upcoming Fall Camp.

Despite the lack of superstar leadership the Trojans return 16 battled-tested starters, including four starting offensive lineman and all three defensive lineman in the trenches.

The loaded roster also features seven newcomers–including USA Today’s Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year, the Gatorade National and California Players of the Year and Cal-Hi Sports’ California Mr. Football in Max Browne and Su’a Cravens–that enrolled at USC this past spring semester to participate in spring practice.

Here is a quick look at the Trojans Fall Camp Schedule:

Aug. 3-4-5-6-7—3:15 p.m. practiceAug. 8—12:30 p.m. practice (at Coliseum)Aug. 9—3:15 p.m. practiceAug. 10—8:45 and 6 p.m. practicesAug. 11—3:15 p.m. practiceAug. 12—8:45 and 6 p.m. practicesAug. 13—3:15 p.m. practiceAug. 14—8:45 and 6 p.m. practicesAug. 15—3:15 p.m. practiceAug. 16—5 p.m. practice (at Coliseum)Aug. 17—3:15 p.m. practiceAug. 18—8:45 and 6 p.m. practicesAug. 19-20—3:15 p.m. practiceAug. 21—2:45 p.m. practiceAug. 22—5 p.m. practice (at Coliseum)Aug. 23—3:15 p.m. practiceAug. 24—10:30 a.m. practice (Salute to Troy 4:30 p.m.) Aug. 25—3 p.m. practiceAug. 26—no practice (first day of class)Aug. 27—3:45 p.m. practice, then depart for Honolulu

First Game of the Season: Thursday August 29th at Hawaii

Despite its many shortcomings, all seven of USC’s 2012 victories were by double digits. The Trojan outscored opponents in the first half 251-155, including 161-60 in the second quarter. That being said, the third quarter was a major bump in the road.

This season will be full of lasting memories for the Trojans, who would love to regain status amongst the elite in college football. This year, USC is rolling out the “#WePlay125” campaign, which celebrates a century and a quarter of collegiate athletics as well as 90th anniversary of USC playing in the Coliseum.

The USC football program is on probation for two more seasons including this one, limiting the roster to 69 scholarship players for the upcoming season.

Entering the season ranked 24th in the USA Today Coaches poll, the Trojans have tapered expectations in 2013, yet there are plenty of headlines to watch this Fall Camp. The major two are the three-way battle for quarterback and the position battles in the new-look secondary, but as camp goes on, more story lines are sure to reveal themselves.