Browne rules USC's Cardinal and Gold spring game

Published Apr. 11, 2015 9:56 p.m. ET

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It's safe to say the scoring system is a tad unconventional. The system alone puts the defense at an immediate disadvantage.

Su'a Cravens isn't a fan of it.

"No, no, (it's not fair)," the USC linebacker said of the scoring system.

Still, 22,788 strong filled the Coliseum on Saturday afternoon for the 2015 USC Spring Game to witness a 37-23 victory for Team Cardinal (USC Offense) over Team White (USC Defense).

Ultimately, the game isn't about defense. Sorry, Su'a.

It's about the fans. It's about scoring. It's about offense. It's about ...Max Browne.

Essentially, the Spring Game is his game. Head coach Steve Sarkisian said as much.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the spring game is about as much live action that the backup quarterback is going to get.

Browne appeared in six games last season as a redshirt freshman but completed just 3-of-7 passes for 30 yards. All of those completions came in the season opener -- a blowout win over Fresno State.   

USC's quarterback of the future showed Saturday that the future is ready.

He took the lion's share of the reps at quarterback. Of the 53 passes attempted Saturday, Browne threw 37 of them for Team Cardinal. He completed 24 of those attempts for 251 yards and two touchdowns.

"The emphasis was going to be to throw the ball today," Sarkisian said. "This was Max Browne's game, so we had to get that experience for him today."

Earlier this spring, Sarkisian said he wouldn't have any qualms about putting Browne into a game if starting quarterback Cody Kessler were to be unavailable for any reason. Browne had the stage inside the Coliseum to show why his head coach felt that way.

He completed a myriad of throws -- back shoulder, deep balls, short, and intermediate throws. Browne even led a 99-yard touchdown scoring drive which resulted in a 15-yard touchdown strike to JuJu Smith. 

It was a culmination of the spring the Trojans' backup quarterback was enjoying.

"Max Browne did what's he's been doing all spring long," Sarkisian said. "He just comes in and he's been making plays."

Browne is pleased with the results.

"It's exactly the spring I wanted," Browne said. "I'm getting more comfortable. It was a great spring for me."  

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