Despite his clear prowess on the field, Caleb Williams isn’t fond of running the ball. Yet when No. 9 USC found themselves in a tough spot against Arizona, Williams took matters into his own hands, and feet, all the way to triple overtime.
“It’s all about delivering,” commented Williams. “Winning is the end goal.”
On a memorable Saturday night in Los Angeles, Williams showcased his agility with three touchdowns on foot and a two-point conversion run in the third overtime. His contribution was pivotal in USC’s thrilling 43-41 victory over Arizona. Along with a commendable passing game, tallying 219 yards, Williams’ composure under pressure was evident, especially post the botched 25-yard field goal attempt at the end of the main game.
A highlight of the evening was USC’s offbeat two-point play in the third overtime. As the offensive line veered towards the sideline, Williams deftly received the snap from tight end Lake McRee, darting in the opposite direction to graze the pylon. On his performance, Williams said, “They left some gaps. I’m not the keenest runner, but sometimes, you just do what’s necessary.”
USC’s defense, led by linebacker Mason Cobb, sealed the win with a decisive stop. Overcoming a 17-point deficit and missed chances, the Trojans finally rejoiced in their victory.
The unbeaten streak at the Coliseum continues under coach Lincoln Riley’s stewardship. Even though the Trojans faced their first season trial, the brilliance of their star quarterback helped them stave off an upset.
Riley remarked, “Facing adversity is tough. It’s the comeback that counts.”
Arizona’s valiant effort was led by Noah Fifita, who passed for 303 yards with two crucial overtime TDs to Jacob Cowing. Despite their spirited performance, the Wildcats (3-3, 1-2) were hampered by penalties and narrowly missed sealing a landmark win under the guidance of third-year coach Jedd Fisch.
Fisch optimistically noted, “Our team’s caliber is on par with any opponent, and we’re only improving.”
The game’s climax was replete with suspense. As USC appeared to be heading for a win, they faltered at the doorstep, with errors and missed chances on both sides. Yet, it was the Trojans’ sheer resilience, embodied by Williams, that saw them through.
Noah Fifita expressed unwavering trust in Coach Fisch’s decisions, crediting him for the team’s strong performance. Both teams showcased their prowess and grit, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.
In Retrospect:
Arizona’s journey under Coach Fisch looks promising. With Fifita proving his mettle, the team has a lot to ponder in terms of strategic plays. On the other hand, while USC’s tenacity was commendable, they need to address their vulnerabilities if they aspire for national acclaim.
Coming Up Next:
Arizona will clash with Washington State on October 14, while USC faces off against Notre Dame on the same day.