Complete Previews for Top 15 College Football Spring Games This Weekend
This weekend marks the earnest beginning of spring football games. Relevant teams such as Baylor and Michigan have already completed theirs, but those were anomalies.
This weekend, we get our first loaded schedule.
Six FBS teams will run their spring games on Friday, with 26 following Saturday. Included among those teams are five conference champions, 25 bowl participants and 15 bowl winners from 2014.
To help sort through the madness, here's a preview of the 15 biggest spring games on the schedule. Apologies to those we left off; we'll be watching you too, rest assured.
This is, after all, our last gasp of football until August.
Might as well breathe all the air we can.
Full Weekend Schedule
1 of 16
Note: Games in bold received full previews.
Friday, April 10
| Team | Time (ET) | TV Info |
| Memphis | 8 p.m. | n/a |
| TCU | 8 p.m. | n/a |
| Rice | 8 p.m. | n/a |
| UTEP | 9 p.m. | n/a |
| Arizona | 9 p.m. | Pac-12 Network |
| Arizona State | 10 p.m. | Pac-12 Network |
Saturday, April 11
| Team | Time (ET) | TV Info |
| South Carolina | 12 p.m. | SEC Network+ |
| Northwestern | 12 p.m. | Big Ten Network |
| Georgia State | 12 p.m. | n/a |
| Florida | 12:30 p.m. | SEC Network+ |
| NC State | 1 p.m. | ESPN3 |
| Ole Miss | 1 p.m. | SEC Network+ |
| Toledo | 1 p.m. | n/a |
| Florida Atlantic | 1 p.m. | n/a |
| Bowling Green | 1 p.m. | n/a |
| South Alabama | 1 p.m. | n/a |
| Maryland | 1 p.m. | n/a |
| Florida State | 2 p.m. | ESPN3 |
| Oklahoma | 2 p.m. | FSSW |
| Iowa State | 2 p.m. | n/a |
| Nebraska | 2 p.m. | Big Ten Network |
| Georgia | 2 p.m. | SEC Network+ |
| Clemson | 2:30 p.m. | n/a |
| Wake Forest | 3 p.m. | ESPN3 |
| UConn | 3 p.m. | n/a |
| Old Dominion | 3 p.m. | n/a |
| Northern Illinois | 3 p.m. | n/a |
| Minnesota | 4 p.m. | Big Ten Network |
| Stanford | 4 p.m. | Pac-12 Network |
| Utah State | 4 p.m. | n/a |
| USC | 6 p.m. | Pac-12 Network |
| Boise State | 7 p.m. | n/a |
TCU
2 of 16
When: Friday, April 10 – 8 p.m. ET
Key Storyline: Replacing Dick Bumpas
Longtime defensive coordinator Dick Bumpas, fresh off one of his best seasons, retired in February. To replace him, TCU promoted safeties coach Chad Glasgow and linebackers coach Demontie Cross, keeping their defensive staff in-house. Still, the loss of Bumpas looms large over a team with few personnel questions. Bumpas was a master of the 4-2-5 defense and one of the best assistant coaches in America.
Key Position Battle: No. 2 Cornerback
Along with Bumpas, the Horned Frogs lost cornerbacks coach Kenny Perry, who left to become the co-defensive coordinator at Kansas. Perry groomed Ranthony Texada into a starting-caliber player as a freshman, but with Kevin White lost to graduation, Texada needs a new running mate. Candidates include sophomore Torrance Mosley, senior Corry O'Meally and converted wide receiver Cameron Echols-Luper.
Star Watch: RB Aaron Green
With quarterback Trevone Boykin sidelined—not with an injury, but for precautionary reasons—running back Aaron Green becomes the star of the offense. A former top-35 overall recruit, Green came to Fort Worth from Nebraska and forced his way into the lineup in the second half of last season. Former starter B.J. Catalon declared early for the NFL draft, leaving Green in line for a major workload.
Arizona
3 of 16
When: Friday, April 10 – 9 p.m. ET (Pac-12 Network)
Key Storyline: Development of Anu Solomon
Anu Solomon started brilliantly as a redshirt freshman but regressed as the season wore on. His quarterback rating decreased each month, culminating with an embarrassing performance against Oregon in the Pac-12 Championship Game and a pair of interceptions against Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl. Was a leg injury the culprit for Solomon's struggles? Or did he simply hit a wall?
Key Position Battle: Center
Carter Wood and Zach Hemmila are competing to replace two-year starter Steven Gurrola. Wood looked like the favorite at the start of spring camp but has missed time with an ankle injury and opened the door for Hemmila, who has played well. If Wood is a full-go on Friday, this is easily the battle to watch. Even if he's not, Hemmila's performance will go a long way in determining the pecking order.
Star Watch: LB Scooby Wright III
Is there a bigger star in all of college football than Scooby Wright? As a sophomore he led the country with 163 tackles, 29 tackles for loss and six forced fumbles en route to winning the Nagurski Trophy, Lombardi Award, Bednarik Award and Lambert Award. Odds Shark lists Scooby as a 66-1 bet to win the 2015 Heisman Trophy.
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Arizona State
4 of 16
When: Friday, April 10 – 10 p.m. ET (Pac-12 Network)
Key Storyline: Supporting Mike Bercovici
Last year, when Mike Bercovici replaced injured starter Taylor Kelly, he looked like the next big thing at quarterback. Kelly returned and played out the end of the season, but Bercovici inspired hope for 2015.
The problem, however, concerns the supporting cast around him. Last year's leading receiver, Jaelen Strong, declared early for the NFL draft; the top candidate to replace him, Cameron Smith, tore his ACL in early March; and the offensive line has been worn down with spring injures. The spring game is important for Bercovici's confidence as he heads into summer workouts. Who is going to help him play well?
Key Position Battle: Cornerback
Lloyd Carrington and Kweishi Brown return after starting last season, but redshirt senior Solomon Means has impressed in spring camp. In fact, head coach Todd Graham said Means "has kind of overtaken [Brown]" as the starter, per Fabian Ardaya of The State Press. Keep an eye on all three as they play musical chairs for two spots.
Star Watch: WR D.J. Foster
D.J. Foster spent the past two years at running back—technically—but has always been better catching passes than receiving handoffs. Even before Smith's injury, the coaching staff moved Foster to wide receiver, where he's expected to become an every-down weapon. He's already been one of the best slot receivers in the game.
South Carolina
5 of 16
When: Saturday, April 11 – 12 p.m. ET (SEC Network Plus)
Key Storyline: Improvement of Defensive Front Seven
South Carolina's pass rush has gone by the wayside, last year falling to No. 120 in the country, per Football Outsiders' adjusted sack rate. Gerald Dixon, Gerald Dixon Jr. and Darius English return one year older, but the real names to watch are the newcomers: Marquavius Lewis and Dexter Wideman. Both were highly touted JUCO (Lewis) or prep school (Wideman) products and fill a pressing need.
Key Position Battle: Quarterback
Head coach Steve Spurrier has complained about his quarterbacks, most recently telling reporters that "the offense didn't do much at all" in the Gamecocks' second scrimmage. Unlike last year, when fifth-year senior Dylan Thompson replaced fifth-year senior Connor Shaw, the roster lacks a single proven option under center. Connor Mitch is the presumed favorite, but Perry Orth and Michael Scarnecchia will push him through the spring game and into fall camp.
Star Watch: WR Pharoh Cooper
The best thing for an offense with no quarterback? A receiver who does a little bit of everything. Pharoh Cooper fits that billing for the Gamecocks and returns after a year in which he rounded out the stat sheet. He finished 2014 with 69 receptions, 1,136 receiving yards and nine touchdowns; 27 carries, 200 rushing yards and two touchdowns; and five completions, 78 passing yards and two touchdowns.
Florida
6 of 16
When: Saturday, April 11 – 12:30 p.m. ET (SEC Network Plus)
Key Storyline: Debut of Head Coach Jim McElwain
Florida fired Will Muschamp and replaced him with former Colorado State head coach and Alabama offensive coordinator Jim McElwain. McElwain has a fine offensive mind, but how fast can he revive such a floundering unit? The spring game might not look pretty, but there must, at the very least, be an infusion of creativity and energy. That is what these fans need more than anything.
Key Position Battle: Quarterback
Will Grier or Treon Harris? Grier arrived with more hype last recruiting cycle, but Harris won the No. 2 job out of fall camp and started six games while Grier took a redshirt. According to Adam Silverstein of Only Gators, Grier leads the battle by a hair, but the spring game will serve as a major plot point before summer workouts. Bleacher Report's Barrett Sallee takes a thorough look at the QB battle here.
Star Watch: CB Vernon Hargreaves III
Vernon Hargreaves III has been exactly as good as advertised. He was the No. 3 overall recruit in 2013 and instantly became a defensive leader. There's a good chance he declares for the 2016 NFL draft, so this might be his last spring in Gainesville. In that case, it's also his last chance to play for a winning team. What sort of urgency will he bring to the table? With Dante Fowler gone, this defense is officially "his."
NC State
7 of 16
When: Saturday, April 11 – 1 p.m. ET (ESPN3)
Key Storyline: Parlaying Momentum Into Offseason
NC State played well down the stretch last season. Really well. According to Bill Connelly of Football Study Hall, it was the No. 8 team in the country from Week 13 onward, placing one spot ahead of Oregon and two spots ahead of Michigan State. Can head coach Dave Doeren harness that momentum through the offseason? Or will NC State become a sketch of its biggest rival, North Carolina, which is famous for slow starts, hot finishes and unfulfilled hype?
Key Position Battle: Defensive Line
Injuries have depleted NC State's spring roster, as outlined in early April by Joe Giglio of The Charlotte Observer. The full cast of defensive lineman will not be made available this weekend, but enough young players fighting for reps will see playing time. Chief among those players is Darian Roseboro, the jewel of NC State's 2015 recruiting class. Also keep an eye on Bradley Chubb, a converted linebacker, and defensive tackle Kentavius Street.
Star Watch: QB Jacoby Brissett
Jacoby Brissett has the tools of an NFL quarterback: 6'4" frame, strong arm, plus mobility. In spots he has played like a Heisman candidate, most notably in the first half against Florida State, but he needs to find more consistency. Now entering his third year in Raleigh—the first of which he sat out, per NCAA transfer rules—he can take this offense over the top. If he does, watch out for the Wolfpack.
Ole Miss
8 of 16
When: Saturday, April 11 – 1 p.m. ET (SEC Network Plus)
Key Storyline: Retooling the Secondary
Last year, one could argue Ole Miss had the best secondary in college football. But it lost a pair of All-Americans: cornerback Senquez Golson (2014) and safety Cody Prewitt (2013). With so much talent returning elsewhere, retooling the defensive backfield—and, by extension, the entire "Landsharks" defense—becomes the key macro storyline of the offseason. Golson and Prewitt leave humongous cleats to fill.
Key Position Battle: Quarterback
Dr. Bo Wallace has left the practice, leaving Ole Miss without a quarterback for the first time since 2012. Sophomores Ryan Buchanan and DeVante Kincade split second-team reps last season, but JUCO transfer Chad Kelly, the former Clemson backup and nephew of NFL great Jim Kelly, has the highest ceiling of the bunch. Last year, though, he fought with Clemson's coaches during the spring game and was dismissed from the program soon after. He followed that indignity with an offseason arrest in a bar fight. Which Kelly shows up in Oxford?
Star Watch: DT Robert Nkemdiche
Robert Nkemdiche was the No. 1 overall recruit in 2013, and it's easy to see why. He made the All-SEC first team as a sophomore despite posting lukewarm numbers (35 tackles, four tackles for loss, two sacks) across the board. Why? Take a look at the game film and you'll see. He's a top-10 NFL draft pick waiting to happen.
Florida State
9 of 16
When: Saturday, April 11 – 2 p.m. ET (ESPN3)
Key Storyline: The Start of a New Era
It's not just the loss of Jameis Winston; it's the loss of Jameis Winston, four senior offensive linemen and a host of defensive starters who contributed the past two seasons. The Winston-era 'Noles are a thing of the past, and a new group must emerge to make their mark. Head coach Jimbo Fisher has been critical of his team all offseason, chiding his players for thinking they're better than they are—the same sense of entitlement, one could argue, that led to last year's downfall in the Rose Bowl. How will they respond in the spring game?
Key Position Battle: Quarterback
Former backup Sean Maguire has the early lead, but he's not a slam-dunk option. Still, Fisher said he's willing to name Maguire the starter if he earns it before the end of spring practice, per Andrea Adelson of ESPN.com. If Maguire plays well in the spring game, it would save the team a summer of unnecessary quarterback drama. If he doesn't, redshirt freshman JJ Cosentino and true freshman De'Andre Johnson can seize momentum with strong performances.
Star Watch: DB Jalen Ramsey
Jalen Ramsey can play all three secondary positions. He started his career at cornerback, moved to safety as a freshman and to "Star" as a sophomore last year. Currently, he's back to playing cornerback, where the 'Noles have the least depth, but he's sure to move around as the coaching staff needs him. He's the missing piece that keeps this engine running and a prospective All-American next season.
Georgia
10 of 16
When: Saturday, April 11 – 2 p.m. ET (SEC Network Plus)
Key Storyline: Debuting the New Offense
Georgia replaced longtime offensive coordinator Mike Bobo, who left to replace McElwain at Colorado State, with veteran NFL coordinator Brian Schottenheimer. Schottenheimer was a polarizing figure in the pros, criticized for his lack of creativity, but he did make a pair of AFC Championship Games with the New York Jets in 2009 and 2010. How much will he change Georgia's offense? How much influence will he try to exert? Saturday provides our first glimpse.
Key Position Battle: Quarterback
The three-way battle between Faton Bauta, Jacob Park and Brice Ramsey is one of the closest and most intriguing in the country. Park is on the outside looking in, according to Marc Weiszer of the Athens Banner-Herald, which is interesting considering how high his stock appeared before spring practice. Can he fight his way back into the race on Saturday? Bauta and Ramsey will try to prevent that.
Star Watch: RB Nick Chubb
Nick Chubb will suit up for the first time since shredding Louisville in the Belk Bowl. Between the Cardinals (18), Missouri (12) and Arkansas (8), Chubb rushed for 611 yards in three games against teams with top-20 run defenses, per the S&P+ ratings at Football Outsiders. There are no words to describe how well he played as a true freshman, when he carried Georgia's offense sans Todd Gurley. Even UGA legend Herschel Walker said he was "amazed" by the rising sophomore.
Nebraska
11 of 16
When: Saturday, April 11 – 2 p.m. ET (Big Ten Network)
Key Storyline: Debut of Head Coach Mike Riley
Nebraska fired Bo Pelini after another season with nine wins—its seventh straight season with nine or 10. To replace him, it made the most surprising hire of the offseason, luring Mike Riley away from Oregon State. Riley is Pelini's polar opposite: mild-mannered, even-keeled, lauded by all who meet him as "the nice guy." But smiles and hugs do not a winner make. Let's see how he's retooled this roster.
Key Position Battle: Quarterback
Depending who you ask, this isn't a position battle at all. Returning starter Tommy Armstrong holds the obvious upper hand, with Johnny Stanton, Ryker Fyfe and A.J. Bush competing for the No. 2 job behind him. But Armstrong had an up-and-down sophomore season, and a new regime means no preset hierarchy. Stanton, Fyfe and Bush have each, at times, earned high praise from the practice field. Any of them could supplant Armstrong with a strong offseason.
Star Watch: DT Maliek Collins
Maliek Collins has everything one looks for in a defensive tackle: size (6'2", 300 lbs), hands, quickness, foot speed, etc. Steven Muench and Kevin Weidl of ESPN.com ranked him the No. 5 underclassman in college football, which is high but not undue praise. The scary part? He has only barely scratched the surface of his potential.
Oklahoma
12 of 16
When: Saturday, April 11 – 2 p.m. ET (FSSW)
Key Storyline: Return of the Air Raid Offense
Oklahoma has overhauled its coaching staff, most notably on offense, where it hired former East Carolina coordinator Lincoln Riley. Riley learned the Air Raid under Mike Leach at Texas Tech and will restore it at OU next season. The question is not if, but when Riley will get his offense up to speed. Do the Sooners have the correct personnel on the roster? And if not, how will Riley adapt?
Key Position Battle: Quarterback
Trevor Knight regressed as a sophomore, failing to capitalize on his breakout performance in the 2014 Sugar Bowl. As a result, he's mired in a four-way quarterback battle against Baker Mayfield, Cody Thomas and Justice Hansen. All four have a legitimate chance to start, with Mayfield, a Texas Tech transfer, holding the perceived edge thanks to his experience with the Air Raid. Still, Guerin Emig of the Tulsa World thinks the battle will rage into fall camp.
Star Watch: RB Samaje Perine
Samaje Perine is a superstar. No one is denying that. The question is whether he's the right superstar for this offense. The Air Raid, after all, can be notoriously thin on running plays. Speed backs who contribute in the passing game seem a better fit than power backs like Perine. Can he prove the skeptics wrong with a big performance Saturday? Doing so would go a long way for his Heisman campaign.
Clemson
13 of 16
When: Saturday, April 11 – 2:30 p.m. ET
Key Storyline: Rebuilding Defensive Front Seven
Clemson lost five starters and multiple productive backups from the best front seven in the country. Defensive end Vic Beasley, defensive tackle Grady Jarrett and inside linebacker Stephone Anthony were the only All-ACC first teamers on the roster, but now all three are gone. The Tigers have recruited and developed at a high level, but any team would struggle with such attrition. How fast can defensive coordinator Brent Venables replenish the ranks up front?
Key Position Battle: No. 2 Cornerback
One starting cornerback job is locked up (see below), but the other job, vacated by senior Garry Peters, is up for grabs. Head coach Dabo Swinney gave the current edge to Cordrea Tankersley, per Nikki Hood of Tigernet.com, but Tankersley was listed as a starter on last year's fall depth chart too. If he leaves the door open for Ryan Carter, Adrian Baker and Marcus Edmond, about whom Swinney has also spoken highly, this battle will stay competitive.
Star Watch: CB Mackensie Alexander
Mackensie Alexander is a first-round NFL draft pick waiting to happen. The former 5-star recruit took a redshirt in 2013 but emerged on the scene last season, playing especially well at Florida State. With the front seven poised to take (at least) a small step backward, Clemson's secondary becomes an area of focus. If Alexander plays to his potential, he's an All-ACC candidate—and then some.
Stanford
14 of 16
When: Saturday, April 11 – 4 p.m. ET (Pac-12 Network)
Key Storyline: Coping With Defensive Losses
This is not your typical Stanford defensive depth chart. Last year's team relied heavily on seniors, leaving the Cardinal with unheralded veterans, highly touted youngsters and in some cases, unheralded youngsters throughout the two-deep. Head coach David Shaw faces the toughest challenge of his coaching career next season. Even if the offense improves (which it should), this team cannot contend for a Pac-12 title unless the defense overachieves.
Key Position Battle: Safety
One of the only returning players from last year's secondary, Zach Hoffpauir, has toyed with forgoing football to pursue professional baseball. If he does—and even, to be honest, if he doesn't—Stanford has a massive hole at safety. As it stands, converted quarterback Dallas Lloyd and converted receiver Kodi Whitfield have the inside track to start, even though neither has started a game on defense. Sophomore Brandon Simmons will push for both of their jobs.
Star Watch: QB Kevin Hogan
When he's on, Kevin Hogan looks like a draftable NFL prospect. As a junior, however, he didn't turn it on until late November. That Hogan made the "Star Watch" says more about Stanford's roster than his own capabilities. But if he plays the way he played against Cal, UCLA and Maryland over the course of an entire season, he will push for All-Conference honors. With Hogan, it is all about consistency.
USC
15 of 16
When: Saturday, April 11 – 6 p.m. ET (Pac-12 Network)
Key Storyline: Building Depth at Every Level
If we toggled off the "injury" and "fatigue" settings, USC would win the national title. It has the best group of first-stringers in college football. Unfortunately, scholarship restrictions from the Reggie Bush improper benefits scandal have impeded the Trojans from building national title-worthy depth. The spring game, then, is less about star power and more about reserve power. If they coach up their second string, they can hang with any team in the country.
Key Position Battle: Inside Linebacker
USC signed three top-50 linebackers this recruiting cycle, but none enrolled for spring camp. The one freshman linebacker who did, top-200 recruit Cameron Smith, has taken advantage of his head start and emerged as one of the bright spots of the session. He'll compete with senior Lamar Dawson, who looks good in his return from knee surgery, and sophomore Olajuwon Tucker for the lead at inside linebacker before the new guys enroll this summer.
Star Watch: CB Adoree' Jackson
Is he a cornerback? A receiver? A little bit of both? It doesn't matter. Wherever Adoree' Jackson plays, he'll be a star. Blessed with truly special athleticism—the type that comes around only once or twice per cycle—the 5'11" sophomore has already attracted hordes of fans to practice. USC quarterback Cody Kessler is a Heisman favorite, and yet I never considered listing anyone but Jackson under "Star Watch." And I doubt anyone will argue with my decision.
Boise State
16 of 16
When: Saturday, April 11 – 7 p.m. ET
Key Storyline: The Start of a New Era…Part II
The post-Chris Petersen era got off to a perfect start. Head coach Bryan Harsin led Boise State to a Fiesta Bowl championship—same as Petersen's first season in 2006. However, Harsin's first Broncos team came with an All-Conference quarterback (Grant Hedrick) and an NFL-caliber running back (Jay Ajayi) included. It felt a lot like the Petersen-era Broncos, minus Petersen. Now, for the first time, this will truly feel like Harsin's team. It's the start of a new era…part deux.
Key Position Battle: Quarterback
Sophomore Ryan Finley backed up Hedrick in 2014 and has the lead at the end of spring camp, as Harsin told reporters in early April. But the competition will roll into August, providing ample opportunity for one of three other quarterbacks, specifically true freshman Brett Rypien, to make a move. Rypien, the nephew of former NFL quarterback Mark Rypien, is one of the biggest recruits in program history and profiles as a college-ready passer. He'll make his much-awaited public debut this weekend and can elevate his stock with a strong performance.
Star Watch: DE Kamalei Correa
Kamalei Correa looks like the next great Boise State defender—an updated version of former teammate Demarcus Lawrence. He finished his sophomore year with 12 sacks and 19 tackles for loss, 9.5 and 15 of which came in the final eight games of the season. With eight defensive starters returning, the Broncos should improve on last year's No. 22 finish in the S&P+ ratings. If Correa takes the next step, fielding a top-15 (or even top-12) defense seems plausible.
Note: All recruiting info refers to the 247Sports composite rankings
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