During a loaded Saturday of college football spring games, Alabama's "A-Day" showcase took center stage. The Crimson Tide wrapped their first spring practice in almost two decades without legendary coach Nick Saban running the show as new boss Kalen DeBoer made his debut inside Bryant-Denny Stadium.
DeBoer unveiled his electric, high-flying offense -- the same that propelled Washington to a College Football Playoff National Championship appearance -- and a new-look defense helmed by former South Alabama coach Kane Wommack. While Saturday's spring game didn't lack in exciting moments, there's still plenty of work to be done before DeBoer can feel comfortable about the transition.
In particular, the defense raised some early concerns. The line of scrimmage, often a staple under Saban, got pushed around at the point of attack and allowed Alabama's running backs to collect three straight touchdowns on the first three offensive drives. The Crimson Tide's secondary, which is in the process of replacing four starters, gave up a plethora of big plays and looked disjointed at times.
Quarterback Jalen Milroe got off to a hot start but faded as the game wore on, dealing with the same inconsistency that plagued him last season and expressing visible frustration amid a late streak of three-and-outs. Of course, it makes sense that things are still a work in progress -- this is just DeBoer's third month on the biggest job of them all -- and Saturday gave plenty of reason for optimism.
Despite his inconsistency, it's clear that Milroe worked hard on improving his throwing motion during the offseason. That will pay dividends as the calendar turns to the fall, and he already looked quite comfortable in DeBoer's big-play offensive system. The defense looked better as the game wore on with some young defensive backs making plays and standing out in a room that so desperately needs help.
Overall, it's hard to glean too much from a spring game.
Let's have a look now at some more takeaways from several notable spring games that took place across the country on Saturday.
Ohio State's defense steals the show
Ohio State's seismic changes on the offensive side of the ball, which included hiring sitting UCLA coach Chip Kelly as offensive coordinator, dominated the offseason news cycle. But once the 2024 Buckeyes took the field for the first time in Saturday's spring game, it was the defense that stole the show. Ohio State's combined offenses managed just four touchdown possessions all game despite an inflated 34-33 final score; defensive coordinator Jim Knowles' unit did a great job of controlling tempo and limiting explosive plays.
The secondary, in particular, looked very impressive. Going up against one of the deepest and most talented wide receiver rooms in the country, the Buckeyes' defensive backs allowed a combined 357 yards and one touchdown to Ohio State's four quarterbacks while logging four interceptions. Starting cornerbacks Denzel Burke and Jordan Hancock more than held their own against the likes of Emeka Egbuka, Carnell Tate and ballyhooed freshman Jeremiah Smith. In fact, Burke and Hancock largely dominated. It was another sign of tremendous progress for a group of defenders that has steadily improved under Knowles. This season could be their time to finally ascend into that elite tier.
Florida has plenty of hope in the future
Make no mistake: Florida's offense belongs to Graham Mertz. After a very solid 2023 season, the veteran quarterback looked right at home operating the Gators' offense in the spring game. He finished with a solid statline, completing 15 of 27 passes for 243 yards and one touchdown. Though he had an interception, Mertz was comfortable working every level of the field and his veteran presence should pay dividends for an offense that's breaking in a lot of new players elsewhere.
Still, it's really hard not to get excited about DJ Lagway. The No. 1 quarterback in the class of 2024 enrolled at Florida early and made his debut in front of fans Saturday, playing opposite Mertz on the Orange team. Standing at 6-foot-3 and 241 pounds, Lagway cut an impressive figure before he even threw a pass. He got to flash enticing versatility on his very first drive, moving the ball through the air and with his legs before capping things off with a 22-yard dart to wide receiver Aidan Mizell for a touchdown. Lagway had another impressive touchdown throw later, and despite an interception of his own, flashed the tremendous potential that had recruiting analysts buzzing. There's tons of hope for Florida's offensive future so long as Lagway is in a Gators uniform.
LSU looking at a smooth transition
Not to say that Garrett Nussmeier is going to have a Heisman Trophy-caliber season -- it's obviously very hard to reach that echelon -- but LSU seems to be in good hands following Jayden Daniels' departure. The Nuss Bus was firing on all cylinders in LSU's spring game and had a near flawless performance, completing all seven of his passes for 187 yards and two touchdowns. He led all quarterbacks in yards and touchdowns despite attempting the third-most passes among the four signal callers that touched the ball. He averaged almost 27 yards per pass, and his two touchdown passes covered 45 and 59 yards, respectively. With how comfortable Nussmeier looked given his relative lack of experience, it seems fair to expect big things from him in the fall. Certainly a name on which to keep tabs.
Utah's offense should easily transition to Big 12
Cam Rising is most certainly back. The now seventh-year senior missed all of the 2023 season while recovering from a knee injury and made his return to Rice-Eccles Stadium Saturday, completing 15 of his 19 pass attempts for 208 yards and two touchdowns. He showed excellent rapport with USC wide receiver transfer Dorian Singer, who caught almost everything in his vicinity and finished with 92 yards receiving. Money Parks flashed his big-play ability with a 57-yard receiving touchdown. When tight end Brant Kuithe, who did have a short catch, is back to full health, Utah will have an offensive unit that stacks up against any in a Big 12 Conference that's renowned for offensive fireworks. If Saturday was any indication, the Utes will be right at home in their new stomping ground.
