Spring video games take heart stage because the month of April trudges on. For a lot of applications, the upcoming NFL Draft solely emphasizes how totally different the 2024 season will look. Transitioning from projected No. 1 decide Caleb Williams was by no means going to be simple for USC, however Lincoln Riley’s signature place group appeared lackluster of their first public motion.
All three quarterbacks who appeared threw at the very least one interception, whereas projected starter Miller Moss threw a pair. The headliner was a tipped ball returned for a 100-yard landing.
After the sport, Riley clarified that Moss would begin for the Trojans if the season began right this moment due to his expertise in this system. Within the Vacation Bowl towards Louisville, Moss threw six landing passes and stole the present. He didn’t seem like the identical participant on Saturday in Las Angeles.
Granted, USC’s much-maligned protection additionally appeared critically improved beneath first-year defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn. The defensive backs had been in the best place and appeared to grasp the system way more constantly. The Trojans even performed with out defensive sort out Bear Alexander, who’s working by a hamstring damage.
In fact, if USC’s offense has taken such a step again, the protection has no selection however to enhance if the Trojans have any plans of competing for a CFP slot. This is how a few of the different high applications within the nation fared throughout their spring video games on Saturday.
Arch Manning dazzles
Manning had barely thrown a move in a Texas uniform coming into the spring recreation after working because the third-string quarterback in 2023. It solely took one move try to get the gang on its toes. Manning stepped up within the pocket and located receiver DeAndre Moore for a 75-yard landing, throwing the ball 50 yards by the air.
The nephew of Peyton and Eli appeared each bit the a part of a No. 1 total recruit, finishing 19-of-25 passes for 355 yards and three touchdowns. Coach Steve Sarkisian has repeatedly insisted that the quarterback battle is just not open, however Texas followers ought to really feel excited in regards to the future on the place with Quinn Ewers, Manning and spectacular freshman Trey Owens operating the present.
OU has a brand new WR1
Vast receiver Deion Burks was a stable participant at Purdue, however appears like a possible breakout star after transferring to play in Seth Littrell’s offense at Oklahoma. Within the first half alone, Burks caught 5 passes for 174 yards and two touchdowns, each of which went for greater than 50 yards. He rapidly ate up yards and altered the geometry of the sector.
Whereas Oklahoma was one of many high passing offenses in school final season, the Sooners lacked constant downfield weapons, particularly within the slot. Between Burks and the emergence of underclassman Nic Anderson within the second half of the yr as an outdoor possibility, first-year beginning quarterback Jackson Arnold has some dynamic choices
Relatedly, Oklahoma’s offensive line — which replaces all 5 major starters — put collectively an encouraging efficiency towards a gifted defensive position. Defending Arnold will solely assist issues.
Notre Dame backup QBs look good
Whereas Notre Dame’s projected starter Riley Leonard missed the spring with decrease physique surgical procedure, the backups did an admirable job of stepping up within the highest-scoring spring recreation of the Marcus Freeman period. Major backup Steve Angeli constructed on his promising Solar Bowl, throwing for 228 yards and two touchdowns. He discovered each receivers and tight ends throughout the sector within the win.
In fact, blue-chip recruit CJ Carr — the grandson of famed Michigan coach Lloyd Carr — additionally made his title heard. Carr performed for each groups at varied factors and threw for 165 yards on 23 move makes an attempt. Total, Notre Dame’s three quarterbacks accomplished 66% of passes for 516 yards and 5 touchdowns.
Leonard ought to step into the fold and add a brand new ceiling to this system, however he has struggled with accidents over his collegiate profession. Promising performances from Angeli and Carr add some much-needed insurance coverage for a program that has not produced a first-round NFL quarterback since 2007.
Texas A&M’s Scourton a participant to look at
Scourton did not get a lot love because the Large Ten’s sack chief due to Purdue’s lackluster season, however he might turn into a family title within the SEC. After posting 10 sacks for the Boilermakers, Scourton eviscerated the Aggies’ offensive line, posting 3.5 tackles for loss and a couple of.5 sacks. Granted, the unit is with no few key contributors, however the effort stood aside simply the identical.
Whereas Texas A&M recruited the defensive position exceptionally nicely, this system has not produced a game-changing move rusher in a number of years. Along with his 6-foot-4, 280-pound body, Scourton presents a terror off the sting and may rank among the many SEC’s elite. Texas A&M coach Mike Elko does an distinctive job of getting playmakers into successful positions; Scourton offers him a brand new toy with which to play.
