Spring video games take middle stage because the month of April trudges on. For a lot of packages, the upcoming NFL Draft solely emphasizes how completely different the 2024 season will look. Transitioning from projected No. 1 decide Caleb Williams was by no means going to be straightforward 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 at the 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 significantly improved below first-year defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn. The defensive backs had been in the precise place and appeared to grasp the system rather more constantly. The Trojans even performed with out defensive deal with Bear Alexander, who’s working via a hamstring harm. 

After all, if USC’s offense has taken such a step again, the protection has no alternative however to enhance if the Trojans have any plans of competing for a CFP slot. This is how a few of the different high packages within the nation fared throughout their spring video games on Saturday. 

Arch Manning dazzles

Manning had barely thrown a cross in a Texas uniform coming into the spring sport after working because the third-string quarterback in 2023. It solely took one cross try to get the gang on its ft. Manning stepped up within the pocket and located receiver DeAndre Moore for a 75-yard landing, throwing the ball 50 yards via 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 isn’t 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

Large 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 shortly ate up yards and altered the geometry of the sphere. 

Whereas Oklahoma was one of many high passing offenses in faculty 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 main starters — put collectively an encouraging efficiency towards a proficient line of defense. 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 sport 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 sphere within the win. 

After all, 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 cross 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 observe

Scourton did not get a lot love because the Massive Ten’s sack chief due to Purdue’s lackluster season, however he might develop 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 pair of.5 sacks. Granted, the unit is with out a few key contributors, however the effort stood aside simply the identical. 

Whereas Texas A&M recruited the line of defense exceptionally effectively, this system has not produced a game-changing cross rusher in a number of years. Together 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 profitable positions; Scourton provides him a brand new toy with which to play.