Despite being an inter-squad scrimmage, fanbases can pack stadiums to get an early look at their team. The offseason improvements get shown off and freshman get their first taste of college pressure. None of these teams had a perfect or horrifically bad spring game, and work still needs to be done in the fall. That said, here are the winners and losers from 2023’s spring game.
Winner: Notre Dame
After Ian Book graduated, Notre Dame had a hole in the most crucial position. It looks like that hole is filled with Sam Hartman, who can turn a weakness into a strength for the Irish. Hartman lit up the defense by going 13-16, with 189 yards and three total touchdowns in less than one half of play. True freshman wide receiver Jaden Greathouse had eleven catches and 118 yards, and his potential is through the roof. The defense was slightly disappointing, especially in the red zone, although there were limitations to their blitzing. Still, sophomore cornerbacks Benjamin Morrison and Jaden Mickey looked excellent, with Mickey grabbing an interception. Linebacker Nolan Zeigler led the linebackers and finished with ten tackles and a sack. Following the spring game, expectations are already higher in South Bend for the fall.
Sam Hartman with another touchdown pass, goes through multiple reads before lofting a 13-yarder to Matt Salerno for the score. Hartman is shredding Notre Dame's defense today. He's 13-of-16 for 189 yards and 3 total TDs.
— Pete Sampson (@PeteSampson_) April 22, 2023
Loser: Florida
Florida had a lot of questions on offense, and their spring game didn’t give many good answers. With a traditional scoring system, the Gators could only score a combined seventeen points, the lowest in Florida’s spring game history. While the running back room and defense looked great, the offensive line and special teams did not. There were some injuries, but Florida quarterbacks were sacked (touched) a combined nine times, and there were 102 rushing yards between the two teams. Kicker Trey Smack missed kicks from twenty-four and forty-seven yards out, although he did make the game-winner from forty-six yards out. The Gators’ recruiting is improving, but Billy Napier could meet the same fate as Dan Mullen if he gives poor performances like this during the season.
Winner: Colorado
Colorado has more energy than they’ve had since the 1990s and it’s easy to see why. Despite the snow, a 2022 1-11 record, and numerous transfers, Coach Prime filled Folsom Field with 47,277 fans who were excited to see him and the new-look Buffaloes. The excitement and anticipation were unmatched, being the only spring game nationally aired on ESPN. However, not everything went according to plan. Since the game last Saturday, fifteen Colorado players have entered the transfer portal, including receiver Montana Lemonious-Craig, who had a fantastic game. Most of these players are getting replaced by Deion’s Louis luggage, but that is a lot of departures. The special teams also left a lot to be desired, with two kicks being blocked.
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Part of a long list of Colorado greats who returned for the spring game, former Buffalo All-American and Olympic skier Jeremy Bloom said this about the experience: “I’ve never seen this type of energy. This is the spring game, remember, a scrimmage… It’s unbelievable. Coach Prime has exceeded everybody’s expectations. I think a lot of people knew, including me, that if we could get him here, the buzz would be back. I don’t think anybody imagined this — even in your wildest expectations.”
Loser: Alabama’s passing game
With Bryce Young leaving for the NFL, Alabama will need a new quarterback and has had a QB battle all offseason. Jalen Milroe and Ty Simpson’s performance coming into A-Day was very anticipated, but left fans with a sour taste. Milroe went 19-37, throwing two picks but throwing two touchdowns. Simpson was 12-26, with a pick and no scores. The receivers did not help and only made the completion percentage worse with numerous drops. The offensive line gave up twelve sacks, killing even more drives. The Tide will run more next season under new coordinator Tommy Rees, but the passing game still needs to look better when the season starts in the fall.
