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Spring Game Review
TL;DR
The Spring Game featured notable appearances, including Jeremiyah Love, but failed to meet fan expectations with few highlights. Coach Marcus Freeman managed a competitive scrimmage, showcasing talented players despite some injuries.
Key points
- Jeremiyah Love attended the Spring Game.
- Coach Marcus Freeman managed a scripted scrimmage.
- The game did not meet fan expectations.
- Devin Fitzgerald was the standout performer.
- CJ Carr struggled with accuracy during the game.
Jeremiyah LoveDevin FitzgeraldCJ CarrIrish football
It was a glorious day. Familiar faces from the past, present, and future dotted the landscape inside the stadium and around campus. Newly minted legend Jeremiyah Love was easily the most recognizable of these Irish football icons. The humble superstar stopped at his alma mater while making his way from Pittsburgh to Arizona. Meanwhile, Coach Marcus Freeman orchestrated a heavily scripted scrimmage while charming numerous recruits and a faithful television audience.
As for the āgameā itself, it did not satisfy the overhyped expectations of the fanbase. There were precious few highlight reel plays. A handful of starters remained on the sidelines as a precaution while nursing minor injuries. Yet, the level of competition was exquisite if you looked closely enough. Neither offense nor defense dominated but that is because two very talented units fought to a standstill.
This was evident from the outset as the number one groups battled each other. Ball carriers were not tackled to the ground in this matchup, although the trench warfare was quite physical. The rules led to more pass plays than runs. An aerial circus did not materialize as CJ Carr and his receivers were out of sync. Carrās accuracy also is a work in progress. Tight coverage forced a few incompletions but many throws were poorly timed or off target.
We did not see much in the running game, which made Loveās presence even more poignant. Aneyas Williams was as feisty as ever in limited action. Freshman Jonaz Walton runs low to the ground with noticeable power and quickness. His short touchdown run perfectly showcased these skills. Unfortunately, Nolan James had only one attempt all afternoon.
At wide receiver, newcomer Devin Fitzgerald was the star of the game. He looked polished and smooth while beating fellow freshmen defensive backs, including one impressive touchdown reception. His performance on Saturday was an extension of what has been an impressive spring session.
Mylan Graham lived up to his advanced billing as a highly skilled big play threat. Jordan Faison was open several times but the ball was either off target or thrown to someone else. One area of concern is the tight ends were not involved in the passing game. It is impossible to determine whether this was by design or a lack of execution. Going forward, the Irish must incorporate the tight end into the offense in a meaningful way.
The first team offensive line displayed a good surge and adequate pass protection against a vanilla defensive scheme. Defensively, a wave of pass rushers recorded sacks and tipped passes primarily against second or third teamers. Still, this group looked big, active, and fast. I have no doubts that the pass rush will be more productive this season. Freshman Rodney Dunham continues to play like he belongs in the rotation.
Q&A
Who was the standout player in the Spring Game?
Newcomer Devin Fitzgerald was the standout player, impressing with polished skills and a touchdown reception.
What were the main issues with the offense during the Spring Game?
The offense struggled with timing and accuracy, particularly with quarterback CJ Carr, leading to a lack of highlight plays.
Why was Jeremiyah Love's presence significant at the Spring Game?
Jeremiyah Love's presence was significant as he is a newly minted legend and a recognizable figure among Irish football icons.
What was the overall atmosphere like at the Spring Game?
The atmosphere was lively with familiar faces from the past and present, along with numerous recruits and a television audience.