2023 College Football Spring Games takeaways: Deion Sanders dazzles on Colorado, Alabama QBs fight debut

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New eras are trending in college football, and several major teams showed new visions of their programs during the second major schedule of the Spring Games on Saturday. The replacement of a Heisman Trophy quarterback was on the agenda in Alabama, while new coaches took the field at the Spring Games in Nebraska and Wisconsin.

The biggest story of the day had to be in Colorado, where Deion Sanders made his debut with the Buffaloes. After hosting fewer than 2,000 fans in 2022, the Buffalos put up a full house of 47,277 to watch Coach Prime lead his team onto the field. The game was broadcast nationwide on basic cable, joining Georgia as the only team in the country to receive the benefit.

Colorado’s spring game gave an early glimpse of a completely revamped roster. The Buffalo offense, led by former Kent State coach Sean Lewis, took center stage. Quarterback Shedeur Sanders connected with former No. 1 recruit Travis Hunter for the first touchdown of the Coach Prime era. Both names will be on full display as Colorado attempts to climb its way back into national prominence.

What else happened on Saturday?

• Alabama: The Crimson Tide host one of the nation’s most famous quarterback competitions. Sophomore Jalen Milroe and redshirt freshman Ty Simpson both looked inconsistent on their first attempts, combining three interceptions on 63 combined passing attempts. Milroe threw for two touchdowns and ran for another, but Simpson also showed his speed with a 45-yard run. With Bryce Young in the NFL and new offensive coordinator Tommy Rees on the sidelines, the Crimson Tide have a lot of work to do to get back into national competition. Neither quarterback was able to separate during the spring game, meaning the fight will continue into the fall.

• Our lady: Quarterback Sam Hartman is considered perhaps the biggest transfer of the offseason. It’s just spring football, but its addition seemed to have changed everything already. Hartman completed 13 of 16 passes for 189 yards and two touchdowns in his first game as a member of the Fighting Irish. The other four passers in the game combined just 18-to-39 for 123 yards with zero touchdowns and two interceptions. Hartman really is that kind of playmaker and it’s encouraging to see him right away. Additionally, early enrolled wide receiver Jaden Greathouse emerged as a top target early on, catching 11 passes for 118 yards.

• Nebraska: The Cornhuskers’ weekend was dedicated to setting the stage for the Matt Rhule era. While the product has been a bit shaky on the field — particularly with expected starting quarterback Casey Thompson being sidelined — the vibes are off the charts. Rhule welcomed back former Nebraska coach Frank Solich by calling the full-back trap on the first game of the game and delivering the cue ball to the Huskers’ former full-back. Solich joked to fans that now that he’s back, the Nebraska curse is over. We will see!

• LSU: Tigers quarterback Jayden Daniels showed massive improvement during his last spring game at LSU, completing 10 of 11 passes for 168 yards and two touchdowns to lead the offense. Daniels made several deep shots during the afternoon game, including a 70-yard pass to Kyren Lacy. If Daniels can keep improving, LSU’s cap will change in Brian Kelly’s second season.