(*16*)
PASADENA, Calif. (AP) — Caleb Williams bolstered Southern California’s push for a doable spot within the College Football Playoff with the largest game of his profession in opposition to the Trojans’ arch-rival.
He additionally may need to ebook a visit to New York subsequent month as a Heisman Trophy finalist.
Williams had 503 yards of complete offense and accounted for 3 touchdowns Saturday evening and the seventh-ranked Trojans beat No. 16 UCLA 48-45 on Saturday evening to reach the Pac-12 Championship game.
“If you told me last year where we’d be now, I’d call you a dead liar,” broad receiver Kyle Ford stated.
The Trojans (10-1, 8-1) received their first win of the season over a ranked staff. They will wait to see who their opponent shall be on Dec. 2 in Las Vegas for the convention crown.
“It’s obviously very, very meaningful,” USC coach Lincoln Riley stated. “With all that was riding on it on top of that, it was a clutch performance by our football team to get it done.”
Williams accomplished 32 of 43 passes for 470 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. The sophomore additionally rushed for 33 yards and a rating. It was the second-most passing yards by a USC quarterback in 92 editions of the Crosstown Showdown.
“I’ve played in like two other games that are rivalries, and I went into this game expecting the same thing. You’ve got to do your job, and do your job at a high level and keep playing, keep swinging,” Riley stated.
In the primary matchup the place each LA colleges have been led by a Black quarterback, Williams outdueled UCLA counterpart Dorian Thompson-Robinson.
The fifth-year senior accounted for all six Bruins’ touchdowns and 384 yards of complete offense, but in addition had 4 turnovers (three interceptions, one fumble) that the Trojans transformed into 10 factors.
“Obviously, I feel disappointment, a lot of it on myself,” Thompson-Robinson stated. (*7*)
The Trojans had a season-high 648 yards of complete offense. Williams accomplished passes to 9 gamers, however his favourite goal was Jordan Addison, who had 11 receptions for 178 yards and a landing.
Williams efficiency was the newest in a string of nice video games that has vaulted him into Heisman Trophy consideration. In his final 5 video games, Williams has 2,027 yards of complete offense and has accounted for 23 touchdowns.
“We played against as good a quarterback as I’ve faced in my college career, watching what Caleb did tonight, so I would give Caleb a lot of credit and say he’s a heck of a quarterback,” UCLA coach Chip Kelly stated.
USC fell behind 14-0 earlier than rallying. The Trojans scored on eight of 9 drives, together with 5 straight, after developing empty on their first three possessions.
UCLA (8-3, 5-3) received the ball with 2:21 remaining after forcing USC to punt with an opportunity to win or power time beyond regulation. The Bruins received to midfield however their hopes of a comeback evaporated when Thompson-Robinson was picked off by Korey Foreman at midfield with 1:26 remaining.
Thompson-Robinson was 23 of 38 for 309 yards and handed for 4 touchdowns. He additionally rushed for 75 yards and two scores.
TURNING POINT
After Jones’ 8-yard run introduced the Trojans inside 21-17, UCLA received the ball and was wanting to get one final rating earlier than halftime — together with getting the ball at the beginning of the second half.
Things didn’t go in accordance to plan.
Thompson-Robinson was picked off twice over the ultimate 1:42 of the primary half. USC was ready to convert on the second interception as Denis Lynch related from 49 yards to get the Trojans inside 21-20 at halftime.
Nicholas Barr-Mira’s 46-yard area aim on the opening drive of the second half prolonged the Bruins’ lead to 4 earlier than Williams related with Addison for a 35-yard TD to put the Trojans on prime 27-24.
USC’s protection got here up with its third turnover halfway by means of the third quarter when Tyrone Taleni sacked Thompson-Robinson and compelled a fumble, which was recovered by Latrell McCutchin on the UCLA 9. Two performs later, Jones scored up the center from 2 yards to lengthen the Trojans’ lead to double digits.
THE TAKEAWAY
USC: There have been some issues after Travis Dye’s season-ending harm final week that the Trojans would battle within the operating game. But Austin Jones picked up the slack with a season-high 120 yards and two TDs.
UCLA: The Bruins’ protection has had points the previous two weeks, particularly with stopping an opponent’s passing game. They allowed 4 completions of no less than 35 yards.
POLL IMPLICATIONS
The Trojans might make a bid for the highest 5 after this win, whereas the Bruins will strive to grasp on being ranked.
UP NEXT
USC: Hosts No. 18 Notre Dame subsequent Saturday.
UCLA: Travels to California on Friday.
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