Play Now <br> <a href="https://picks.cbssports.com/college-basketball/ncaa-tournament/bracket" class="">Men's Brackets</a> <br> Play Now <br> <a href="https://picks.cbssports.com/college-basketball/ncaaw-tournament/bracket" class="">Women's Brackets</a> <br> <a href="/podcasts/fantasy-football-today-podcast/" class="">Updated Projections</a> <br> <a href="/podcasts/nothing-personal-with-david-samson/" class="">Covering the impact of coronavirus on the sports world</a> <br>The biggest day of the spring season in college football took place on Saturday, with defending national champion Georgia, SEC champion Alabama, Big Ten power Ohio State and Mario Cristobal's Miami Hurricanes among some of the notable teams taking the stage to present their annual spring games. <br>These spring scrimmages give teams a great chance to get an idea of how coaches view their depth charts and where the youngsters fit in during the midpoint of the offseason. So what were the biggest takeaways from Saturday's slate that just happened to feature some legitimate national championship contenders? Let's have a look. <br><strong>Crimson Tide need some help up front</strong>: The clock in the Alabama spring game seemed to move faster than actual time, but there was enough time to see that coach Nick Saban's offensive line needs a lot of help. The first-team struggled to give quarterback Bryce Young time in the pocket and couldn't consistently open holes for the running backs -- including Georgia Tech transfer Jahmyr Gibbs. Edge threat Will Anderson was particularly frightening, as he got into Young's face for "two-hand touch" sacks twice in three plays late in the first half. <br>Let's get this out of the way: it's irresponsible to make snap judgements on a team during the spring. But, for Alabama, that might not be the case. Young was forced to escape the pocket in the exact same way last spring, and it translated to the fall when the offensive line finished last in the SEC in tackles for loss. Saban loves to have a reason to yell at his players in order to create the championship-level culture of competition, and his offensive line gave him that ammo on Saturday.<br><strong>Buckeyes' recipe for success</strong>: Two of the biggest questions facing the Buckeyes is the quest to replace receivers Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson outside and the defensive renaissance that new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles is looking to orchestrate. Well, they'll be fine at wide receiver. Star Jaxon Smith-Njigba caught two passes for 38 yards and a touchdown, but the real story was behind him where others shined. Emeka Egbuka had four catches for 39 yards, Marvin Harrison Jr. had a snag and looked comfortable with the first-team offense and running back Evan Pryor looked like a multi-dimensional force to be reckoned with. <br>The defense had its ups and downs, but there's no reason to freak out. Yes, it has to improve off of last year's squad, but Knowles said before the game that it was going to be vanilla on purpose and not bring heat on the quarterback. Offense is the driving force in college football, and Ohio State appears to be on track to continue its dominance. If the defense just plays adequate, the Buckeyes will be fine.<br><strong>Beware of the tight ends</strong>: Tight ends have become a much bigger part of college football offenses over the last decade, and Georgia might have the best tight end room in college football history. LSU transfer Arik Gilbert caught two touchdown passes from Stetson Bennett IV after being away from the program during the 2021 season. The 6-foot-5, 248-pound freak athlete had 35 catches for 368 yards and two touchdowns for the Tigers in 2020, and is a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. Fellow tight ends Brock Bowers and Darnell Washington sat out of the G-Day Game but have already proven just how dangerous they can be. <br>When you toss these tight ends into the mix with Georgia's versatile backfield and wide receiving corps, this offense should be much better and more balanced than last season's. In other words … "get your popcorn ready."<br><strong>Tyler Van Dyke is going to be a stud</strong>: The Miami signal-caller took over for D'Eriq King last season in Coral Gables and set the tone for what could be a tremendous sophomore season. Van Dyke was 20 of 32 for 172 yards and a touchdown to Jacolby George. That's a great day if you look at the box score, but it was even better if you watched on television. Van Dyke threw three absolute dimes in the first half that were dropped by Hurricane wide receivers, which skewed his stats in a negative direction. It was so bad early on that boo birds could be heard at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.<br>Miami is a work-in-progress, which is understandable considering it's Mario Cristobal's first season as coach at his alma mater. But the progress the wide receiving corps showed in the spring game alone is encouraging after just 15 practices. With Van Dyke at the helm, things should be fine.<br>CBS Sports was live throughout the afternoon providing updates, highlights and analysis from Saturday's spring games, which you can view below. <br>Georgia Tech transfer Jahmyr Gibbs is going to be a big problem for opposing defenses. Gibbs took off on a 75-yard touchdown run midway through the third quarter after blazing past the opposing secondary. Alabama is in need of a go-to running back after the departure of Brian Robinson Jr., and Gibbs clearly has the edge heading into summer workouts.<br>Quarterbacks aren't live in most spring games, and Alabama is no different. But the No. 1 offense had a very tough time keeping quarterback Bryce Young "clean," and couldn't get much room for Georgia Tech transfer running back Jahmyr Gibbs in the first quarter-and-a-half. In a vacuum, that might not be a big deal since Alabama's defense is so stout. But it's the second straight A-Day that the Crimson Tide has had the same issue. <br>Jalen Milroe looks like a rock under center behind Bryce Young. The 6-foot-2, 212-pound redshirt freshman unleashed a bomb down the right sideline for a 52-yard touchdown to Christian Leary. The Katy, Texas, native is 5 of 7 for 92 yards through the first quarter-and-a-half of play in the A-Day game. The winner of this game gets steak, while the loser gets beans. It looks like Milroe has his eyes on a ribeye after that dart. <br>SEE YOU LATER <a href="https://twitter.com/ChristianLeary4?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChristianLeary4</a> ???<br><br>Jalen Milroe deep pass complete to Christian Leary for a 52 yard TD.<br><br>Q2 Crimson: 0 | White: 13 <a href="https://t.co/nAkxLXwSkt">pic.twitter.com/nAkxLXwSkt</a><br>Bryce Young throws a pick, but has been otherwise solid through the first quarter. He's 4 of 6 for 48 yards, but he did throw an ill-advised interception to Jordan Battle shortly before the whistle. He looks very sharp aside from that one pass, even though there has been pressure in his face a little bit. The same thing happened in last season's spring game, which didn't bode well for the future of Alabama's offensive line.<br>Quarterback Bryce Young made an early statement in Alabama's spring game -- a very early statement. He hit Georgia transfer Jermaine Burton for a 22-yard gain on the first play from scrimmage, which could be viewed as a signal that he is slated to be this year's version of Jameson Williams. Burton transferred to the Crimson Tide after winning the national title at Georgia, which included a touchdown in the national semifinal win over Michigan. Alabama lost Williams, John Metchie III and Slade Bolden, and is in need of a go-to receiver to step up for Young.<br>Arik Gilbert had a great freshman season at LSU in 2020, but was missing in action last season at Georgia due to off-the-field issues. He's back, slimmed down and ready to take the SEC by force once again. He caught another dart from Stetson Bennett IV in the third quarter for a touchdown -- the second time the two have hooked up for scores. When you throw in Gilbert with other freak tight ends Brock Bowers and Darnell Washington, coordinator Todd Monken is going to be able to create matchup nightmares all over the field.<br>.<a href="https://twitter.com/StetsonIv?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@StetsonIv</a> ?? <a href="https://twitter.com/arik_gilbert?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@arik_gilbert</a> connection is ???<br><br>Watch live on ESPN2: <a href="https://t.co/ePBADRzZYS">https://t.co/ePBADRzZYS</a> <a href="https://t.co/lHhnaJld8q">pic.twitter.com/lHhnaJld8q</a><br>Here's a better look at Georgia's national championship rings<br>I said down below that Stetson Bennett IV's toss to Kenny McIntosh was a good sign as Georgia looks to replace the receiving production of James Cook out of the backfield, and McIntosh's teammate in the running backs room staked his claim for the role late in the first half. Bennett found Kendall Milton on the near sideline with under two minutes to go for Bennett's second touchdown of the first half. It was a 32-yard catch-and-run that should make Georgia fans smile.<br>Hello <a href="https://twitter.com/therealkmilt?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@therealkmilt</a>?<br><br>Watch live on ESPN2: <a href="https://t.co/ePBADRzZYS">https://t.co/ePBADRzZYS</a> <a href="https://t.co/AB25twYZbz">pic.twitter.com/AB25twYZbz</a><br>Georgia's 2021 national championship rings have been handed out, and they are massive. Several former Bulldogs from last year's squad are roaming around the sideline with them on, and they are gorgeous. Check 'em out.<br>A better pic of UGA national championship ring <a href="https://t.co/Tay6ExNvEu">pic.twitter.com/Tay6ExNvEu</a><br>The second half of the Ohio State spring game is underway, and it comes after an emotional halftime that included a tribute video to former Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins -- who passed away last week after a traffic accident. Current buckeye wide receiver Kamryn Babb led the team in prayer following the playing of the video on the big screen.<br>After that beautiful Dwayne Haskins video, former teammate Kamryn Babb (<a href="https://twitter.com/kamm_o?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kamm_o</a>) led <a href="https://twitter.com/OhioStateFB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OhioStateFB</a> in prayer. <a href="https://t.co/3cV7VBMUvL">pic.twitter.com/3cV7VBMUvL</a><br>Stetson Bennett IV with a dart over the middle to tight end Arik Gilbert, the LSU transfer who didn't see the field last year. It was a 16-yard strike and a great sign that Gilbert could become the difference-maker that he has been touted to be.<br>.<a href="https://twitter.com/StetsonIv?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@StetsonIv</a> connects with <a href="https://twitter.com/arik_gilbert?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@arik_gilbert</a> for the first score of the game??<br><br>Watch live on ESPN2: <a href="https://t.co/ePBADRzZYS">https://t.co/ePBADRzZYS</a> <a href="https://t.co/3kgsKtMjMi">pic.twitter.com/3kgsKtMjMi</a><br>Kenny McIntosh caught a dime from Stetson Bennett IV in the first drive of the Georgia G-Day game. That's a great sign since James Cook was the primary receiving threat out of the backfield on last season's national championship squad. Bennett placed it perfectly over a corner and under the safety for the 33-yard gain.<br>UCF wide receiver Amari Johnson has two touchdowns in the first half of UCF's spring game, which also features players wearing QR codes on the back of their jerseys. Those jerseys haven't really stolen the show in the Bounce House since Johnson has been busy showing off the jets.<br>.<a href="https://twitter.com/_OneSeven__?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@_OneSeven__</a> taking advantage of the blocks ? <a href="https://t.co/3OMBSSLCKI">pic.twitter.com/3OMBSSLCKI</a><br>Miami QB Tyler Van Dyke is going to receive a tone of hype over the next few months, and he is showing why during Miami's spring game. He is dropping dimes all over the place, but his receivers aren't giving him any help whatsoever. It's so bad that boo birds have been heard from the crowd.<br>C.J. Stroud to Jaxon Smith-Njigba for the first touchdown of the Ohio State spring game. Get used to that. With Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson gone, JSN has taken over at the top of the pecking order for the talent-laden Buckeyes. <br>touchdown, buckeyes ?<a href="https://twitter.com/CJ7STROUD?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CJ7STROUD</a> to <a href="https://twitter.com/jaxon_smith1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jaxon_smith1</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoBucks?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoBucks</a> <a href="https://t.co/ry5k1KcM5j">pic.twitter.com/ry5k1KcM5j</a><br>There are plenty of tributes being paid to former Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins on Saturday during the Buckeyes spring game, and current quarterback C.J. Stroud made his own. He has "Haskins Jr." on the nameplate on his back. Take a look.<br>C.J. Stroud has Dwayne Haskins’ name on the back of his jersey during the spring game. <a href="https://t.co/nhgXyVuQnV">pic.twitter.com/nhgXyVuQnV</a><br>As mentioned below, weather issues have changed plans for a lot of schools today. Arkansas is among them. The Razorbacks will run a controlled scrimmage inside of their indoor practice facility due to heavy rain in the Fayetteville area.<br>Expect some sloppy play in Tuscaloosa this afternoon. Bad weather ripped through the south last night, and Alabama has already canceled the "fan day" portion of today's events. Expect coach Nick Saban to be very careful with his star players on the slippery track.<br>Unfortunately, due to weather and field conditions, postgame field access at today’s Golden Flake A-Day game has been canceled. A-Day will conclude after the spring awards. <a href="https://t.co/F5mrmt3No2">pic.twitter.com/F5mrmt3No2</a><br>During the Ohio State spring game on Saturday, the Buckeyes will be honoring former star QB Dwayne Haskins, who died tragically last weekend after being struck by a dump truck in Florida. One of the ways in which the team will honor his memory on Saturday is by having his initials on the field as it wraps up spring sessions in Ohio Stadium. <br>Dwayne Haskins’ initials on the field for Ohio State’s Spring Game today <a href="https://t.co/vIU2OjGIev">pic.twitter.com/vIU2OjGIev</a><br> <input id="CheckButton-checkbox" class="CheckButton-checkbox" type="checkbox" name="check"><label class="CheckButton CheckButton-newsletter" data-component="checkboxExpanded" data-checkbox-expanded-options='{"checkboxId":"CheckButton-checkbox","tableIds":""}' for="CheckButton-checkbox"><span class="CheckButtonText">By submitting my email I agree to receive the "CBS Sports HQ Newsletter" and other marketing and promotional emails from CBS Sports, which may include information from our affiliates and/or partners' offers, products and services. For more information about our data practices consult our <a href="https://www.cbsinteractive.com/legal/cbsi/privacy-policy/highlights" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Privacy Policy</a></span></label> <br>© 2004-2022 CBS Interactive. All Rights Reserved.<br>CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Commissioner.com is a registered trademark of CBS Interactive Inc.<br>Images by Getty Images and US Presswire<br><br><a href="https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/college-football-spring-games-alabama-struggles-up-front-ohio-state-poised-to-stay-dominant-on-offense/live/">source</a>
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