Spring Roundup: Big 12 Football Spring Games Reviewed

Jul 23, 2012; Dallas, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Bob Stoops speaks to reporters during Big 12 football Media Day at the Westin Galleria. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Big 12 Conference

Talking 12 takes a trip through Big 12 Country with spring workout sessions concluding.

The Oklahoma Sooners offense could have some firepower, despite the losses of quarterback Landry Jones and wide receiver Kenny Stills, among other. The three dual-threat quarterbacks at offensive coordinator Josh Heupel’s disposal present an interesting dynamic for a Sooner offense predicated largely on the pass in recent years.

As for the Kansas Jayhawks, they’re seeking any offensive identity they can muster through spring ball. Running back James Sims returns, and was the premiere performer in KU’s spring game.

Sims took on the lion’s share of duties a season ago, and Saturday’s scrimmage points to more of the same. Head coach Charlie Weis went 1-11 in his first season, without a win against a Bowl Subdivision opponent. He has to feel some pressure in Year Two, considering predecessor Turner Gill was fired after just two seasons.

Michigan State Spartans

Mark Dantonio and the Michigan State coaching staff filmed Wednesday’s drafting of players for the program’s spring game, slated for Saturday in East Lansing.

Sparty loses powerful running back Le’Veon Bell, but quarterback Andrew Maxwell is getting some attention this offseason, per MLive.com.

Maxwell replaced Kirk Cousins a season ago with ho-hum results. He threw 13 touchdowns to nine interceptions, and completed just 52.5 percent of his passes for 2606 yards. However, quarterback play has been a strength for Michigan State in the last half-decade. Before Cousins, Drew Stanton manned the position effectively.

A more experienced Maxwell is exactly what MSU needs in its post-Bell era.

Boston College Eagles
Nov 17, 2012; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Boston College Eagles quarterback Chase Rettig (11) rolls out of the pocket during the fourth quarter against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Alumni Stadium. Virginia Tech Hokies won 30-23. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Another baby step in the Steve Addazio era at Boston College is taken on Saturday, via the 21st Annual Jay McGillis Memorial Spring Football Game. Soaring To Glory has a look at story lines to follow, including the continued adaptation of quarterback Chase Rettig to yet another new offensive coordinator.

Rettig had to shift gears continuously throughout his time on Chestnut Hill. The product of CIF Southern Section powerhouse San Clemente (Calif.) High has shown glimpses, and never been bad — he just hasn’t looked comfortable.

New Eagle offensive coordinator Ryan Day spent time with Addazio at Temple, where they primarily used dual-threat quarterbacks. How Day’s system adjusts with an experienced drop-back passer in the mix should prove interesting. Check out Soaring To Glory for more.