I’m trying to remember when a spring game really mattered at USC.

The day before the 2003 spring game, Pete Carroll named Matt Leinart the starting quarterback. Leinart then looked average in the spring game. Did it mean anything for the fall? Nope.

But with a marquee program like USC, the hype sometimes becomes so overwhelming, a spring game can either confirm or contradict it.

First, a good thing. The defense played aggressive and more importantly, I’d say was less confused then when it tried to figure out what Alex Grinch wanted. That’s something I’ve heard when multiple players the past 2 years: People not knowing what Grinch wanted.

So this will be a definite plus.

Regarding the same defense, I’d say the defensive line was a trouble sign and illustrated why Lincoln Riley said Friday that getting a defensive tackle in the portal was priority No. 1. And, no, I’m not counting on Bear Alexander making a huge difference when he returns.

The problem with the defensive line’s unremarkable play Saturday was it revealed little about the offensive line. That’s a fall issue.

The lines of scrimmage will determine USC’s season.

So will the quarterbacks. The interceptions were plays Caleb Williams simply doesn’t make. It just confirms that USC will no longer have an exceptional QB in the fall.

Jayden Maiava was the livelier QB Saturday. But he will need to be significantly better to beat out Miller Moss, because Riley won’t want to go out on a limb in his decision.

It’s also not just the offense. USC is supposed to be a skill-position factory but it needs a go-to wide receiver. It should be Zacariah Branch, but we keep saying that.