Spring video games take spotlight as the month of April treks on. For numerous programs, the upcoming NFL Draft just highlights how various the 2024 season will look. Transitioning from forecasted No. 1 choice Caleb Williams was never ever going to be simple for USC, however Lincoln Riley’s signature position group looked uninspired in their very first public action.
All 3 quarterbacks who appeared tossed a minimum of one interception, while forecasted starter Miller Moss tossed a set. The headliner was a tipped ball returned for a 100-yard goal.
After the video game, Riley clarified that Moss would begin for the Trojans if the season began today since of his experience in the program. In the Holiday Bowl versus Louisville, Moss tossed 6 goal passes and took the program. He did not look like the very same gamer on Saturday in Las Angeles.
Given, USC’s much-maligned defense likewise looked seriously enhanced under first-year protective planner D’Anton Lynn. The protective backs remained in the best position and appeared to comprehend the system a lot more regularly. The Trojans even played without protective deal with Bear Alexander, who is resolving a hamstring injury.
Naturally, if USC’s offense has actually taken such an action back, the defense has no option however to enhance if the Trojans have any strategies of contending for a CFP slot. Here’s how a few of the other leading programs in the nation fared throughout their spring video games on Saturday.
Arch Manning impresses
Manning had actually hardly tossed a pass in a Texas uniform entering into the spring video game after working as the third-string quarterback in 2023. It just took one pass effort to get the crowd on its feet. Manning stepped up in the pocket and discovered receiver DeAndre Moore for a 75-yard goal, tossing the ball 50 lawns through the air.
The nephew of Peyton and Eli looked every bit the part of a No. 1 general hire, finishing 19-of-25 passes for 355 backyards and 3 goals. Coach Steve Sarkisian has actually consistently firmly insisted that the quarterback fight is closed, however Texas fans must feel fired up about the future at the position with Quinn Ewers, Manning and outstanding freshman Trey Owens running the program.
OU has a brand-new WR1
Pass receiver Deion Burks was a strong gamer at Purdue, however appears like a possible breakout star after moving to play in Seth Littrell’s offense at Oklahoma. In the very first half alone, Burks captured 5 passes for 174 backyards and 2 goals, both of which chose more than 50 lawns. He rapidly consumed backyards and altered the geometry of the field.
While Oklahoma was among the leading passing offenses in college last season, the Sooners did not have constant downfield weapons, particularly in the slot. In between Burks and the introduction of underclassman Nic Anderson in the 2nd half of the year as an outdoors alternative, first-year beginning quarterback Jackson Arnold has some vibrant choices
Relatedly, Oklahoma’s offending line– which changes all 5 main beginners– assembled a motivating efficiency versus a gifted protective line.