College football spring games schedule, storylines: New era at Michigan, Texas replacing key playmakers

Spring game season trucks along Saturday as more than two dozen teams are in action, including 18 scheduled to air on television. Two participants in last season’s College Football Playoff lead the list as Texas and Michigan hope to build on strong years. The Wolverines head into a reloading cycle, while the Longhorns hope to take the next step. 

Texas’ chief rivals also have spring games with Oklahoma and Texas A&M debuting new-look rosters. Elsewhere, Notre Dame prepares for its moment in the sun and Florida State breaks in some new pieces. Michigan State and USC also hope to show improvement, while Stanford and California rank among the new ACC schools readying for primetime. 

It’s worth noting that there are a few storms expected across the country. Texas Tech opted to cancel its spring game in Midland, Texas, and others in the state will be on storm watch. Still, there are plenty of big time games to keep an eye on, so here are a few of the key storylines to watch during spring games Saturday. 

Michigan: A new era begins

The Wolverines captured their first national championship since 1997 last season, but repeating won’t come easy. Michigan boasts first-year coach Sherrone Moore, an open quarterback battle and countless new starters on both sides of the ball after a historic class departed for the NFL. 

Of course, Moore got some on-the-job learning experience after leading the program for four games while Jim Harbaugh served various suspensions last season. For that reason, Michigan remains in good hands. However, the spring game will give a first look at whether the Wolverines are ready to hit the ground running in Year 1 or if Moore will preach patience as the program works through growing pains. 

Notre Dame: Revamping the offense

The most significant storyline in the Fighting Irish spring game involves who is not on the field as transfer quarterback Riley Leonard will miss the spring after surgery. Still, the Fighting Irish made some power moves to try and ready the offense for his arrival, and they’ll be on full display for the spring game. 

The biggest headline is the Fighting Irish poaching offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock from LSU after he coached Jayden Daniels to a Heisman Trophy last season. Notre Dame also added three top wide receiver transfers to join breakout star Jaden Greathouse. There should also…