USC QB Caleb Williams not satisfied with first-half performance
Williams entered the season as one of the favorites for the Heisman Trophy, but his play hasn’t been quite on that level the past three weeks and he is holding himself accountable
Adam Grosbard (OC Register) — LOS ANGELES — Halfway through his inaugural season with USC, quarterback Caleb Williams had an unenthusiastic evaluation of himself following Wednesday’s practice.
“I’ve played alright,” Williams said, pausing to think about it a little more before repeating himself. “I’ve played alright.”
The faint self-praise makes a degree of season. As Williams likes to remind people, USC is still 6-0. The few dips in quarterback play have not led to USC losses.
But Williams entered the season as a betting favorite for the Heisman Trophy, and his play hasn’t been quite on that level the past three weeks.
In the first three games of the season, Williams completed 74.4% of his passes while throwing eight touchdowns and no interceptions. In the subsequent three games, his completion percentage has dropped to 56.9% as USC’s scoring average has dropped from 50.7 in Weeks 1-3 to 29.7 in Weeks 4-6.
He’s still managed to find ways to win, most noticeably with his game-saving drive against Oregon State. But the level of play hasn’t been to Williams’ own standard.
“I feel like I could play a lot better. I don’t feel like I’ve unlocked everything that I can do and my ability,” Williams said. “Trying to get to that point because this team needs my best throughout this last stretch of the season since we’re in the second half of it.”
Head coach Lincoln Riley, who also serves as quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator, wasn’t too concerned with the state of the USC passing game following Saturday’s win over Washington State. He noted some dropped balls and a couple of missed throws, but nothing that rose to the level of alarming.
But Williams feels like there are some little details that haven’t gotten the proper attention, agreeing with receiver Jordan Addison’s Tuesday assessment that some timing was off last weekend.
So Williams says he is spending more time in the film room this week ahead of the seventh-ranked Trojans’ road game against No. 20 Utah, and getting more repetitions in as he tries to iron out some wrinkles that have started to show in USC’s aerial attack.
He noted that some teams have presented different looks against USC than was on film from their previous games. But that’s another reason that he wants to focus on the details that he can control.
“The small things really matter and they matter more throughout the second half of the season,” Williams said. “You can’t think that you’re going to go out there and complete the same pass that you completed three weeks ago if you’re not focusing on the small things. So focusing on the small things, staying consistent with those and then like I said they turn out pretty well.”
What Williams is not doing, he said, is allowing any frustration to seep in after a couple of off performances.
“Football is a process,” he said. “You gotta get better so me not being at my best is just proof that I just need to do more.”
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I wonder if Caleb is succumbing to the pressure of all the hype and expectations. Perhaps if he were to just zone out of all of it and relax, have fun playing the game things would come more natural and the he could be back where he started. Not saying this is the cure for all his ills as new defenses every week could play into it big time. Then there is the fact he is a sophomore and the soph slump could be kicking in. In the end he will work it out I hope and enjoy the games,… Read more »
My thinking also. This is his sophomore year with the first year excitement has worn off and you try to “wow” on every play. This is where you have to let the game opportunities come to you and not try forcing something that isn’t there or in his case lately maybe wait too long in the pocket for a home run play? Fortunately, he has a top supporting cast around him that other QBs would drool over to have. And a OC that is keen on what is going on on the field. I am looking to this game where… Read more »
Since I tend to take a while to check certain things out I JUST NOW checked out the 2022-2023 college bowl schedule and noticed that the Fiesta Bowl and the Peach Bowl will be the 2 playoff locations (which frees up the Rose Bowl for non-playoff Pac-12 Team) AND The National Championship game is at So-Fi Stadium in Los Angeles (Gotta figure any teams whose campus is located somewhat close to that stadium would fill the stadium with fans ) <<<<< just saying …….So ……. is a date to play bowl game in a stadium within the lets say “Region… Read more »
JT Daniels (much better without the mustache) is looking pretty good for the Mountaineers who have just tied BAY 31-31 with 1:45 to go in the 3rd. Poised. Strong, accurate throws.
Update: JT throws horrible pick giving BAY the ball in scoring position with two mins left. 40-37 WV leads.
Travis Dye & Austin Jones can run the ball. UCLA’s OL proved the Ute’s DL can be run on. But yet, USC has superior WRs that the Ute defense has to cover. So spread them out and cause open space. Using all of the offensive weapons the USC offense has, and not limiting the plays, has to have a “not knowing where the ball is going next” effect on any defense. Forcing the Ute defense to react to plays rather than anticipate the next play will give the offense the advantage most every time.
JT Daniels is QBing 2-3 WV tonight vs 3-2 BAY (-3) at 4pm PT (FS1). The Mountaineers offense is powered by JR QB JT Daniels. Daniels ranks 23rd nationally in completions per game at 23, by completing 115 of 181 passes (63.5 percent) for 1,209 yds and eight TDs passing and two rushing. He has been picked off twice, but has a rating of 132. His best game came in a 55-42 OT loss to KU. In that game, he completed 27 of 39 passes (69.2%) for 365 yds and three TDs. His top target is JR WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton, who is… Read more »
And at Dave Aranda’s expense. Aranda, once coveted by many USC fans to take over for The Cat, is now 3-3, and not so shiny anymore.
His Bears blew it late today with a bad special teams mistake when an extra point kick was blocked and returned for a 2-pt score by the Mountaineers. You don’t see those too often.
That was a fun game to watch. Nip and tuck all the way. I thought Daniels played very well 2nd half until the pick.
I have nothing against former SC kids who hit the portal. I hope they all find success, especially those who had to suffer the mismanagement of The Years of The Cat.
I’ll never forget the blocked XP play in the 2003 SC-UCLA game. SC had scored to make it 30-0 near halftime. UCLA blocked the kick and took it to the house to close the gap to 30-2.
AND THE UCLA PEP SQUADS EXPLODED IN JOY. The guys with the big flags took a lap around the field. The gymnast cheerleaders broke out their best moves. The band played Cal’s fight song over and over. The only things missing were the confetti and the national championship trophy. It was a delight to see.
This year’s USC/UCLA game on Nov 19 in the Rose Bowl will be one for the ages and spectacular I predict. Both teams have the ability to do big-time damage to each other, both through the air and on the ground. Caleb vs DTR. So many other great angles too, especially after last year’s humiliation. Time for the game has not been set yet. I’m hoping for one of those mid-afternoon kicks that start in the day and end at night, when it all looks so magically different by game’s end. But first, we need to get by UTAH and… Read more »
Ya, it was amazing to go to the Coliseum when Pete Carroll was king and there was absolutely no chance for the other team to win, even Notre Dame and UCLA who were both owned by Carroll 8-1. Beating your rivals 16-2 over a nine-year period and having a super charismatic coach who was laughing his way to victories and having so much fun was an unforgettable run. Pete ended his reign after the 2009 season on Jan 11, 2010 when he announced he was moving on to Seattle. On June 10, the NCAA announced its crippling sanctions and that… Read more »
Jordan Palmer on Caleb Williams “Caleb Williams is gonna solve a lot of problems for you. He’s off the charts. He’s the next Mahomes. There’s a chance that at the end of this college football season, the general consensus will be that the best college football player is not actually in this draft (even though QBs might be taken 1,2,3). In a time when were have a lot of great young stars, it’s not just his physical ability, it’s his maturity. Caleb was the MVP of the Elite 11. He was the #1 recruit in the country. He came off the bench in a… Read more »
I do really like The Herd, though Cowherd can get a little nerve-wracking and predictable. Like us all, I suppose.
But at least he makes me think, often when I disagree most.
Guest Jordan Palmer sure has proven to be kind of a superstar in his own right. Nice to see the younger brother of a Trojan Heisman winner become a widely-respected national QB guru who has really carved out a successful path for himself, post-playing days.
In the first three games of the season, Williams completed 74.4% of his passes while throwing eight touchdowns and no interceptions. In the subsequent three games, his completion percentage has dropped to 56.9% as USC’s scoring average has dropped from 50.7 in Weeks 1-3 to 29.7 in Weeks 4-6.
But Williams feels like there are some little details that haven’t gotten the proper attention, agreeing with receiver Jordan Addison’s Tuesday assessment that some timing was off last weekend.
I wonder if Caleb is succumbing to the pressure of all the hype and expectations. Perhaps if he were to just zone out of all of it and relax, have fun playing the game things would come more natural and the he could be back where he started. Not saying this is the cure for all his ills as new defenses every week could play into it big time. Then there is the fact he is a sophomore and the soph slump could be kicking in. In the end he will work it out I hope and enjoy the games,… Read more »
My thinking also. This is his sophomore year with the first year excitement has worn off and you try to “wow” on every play. This is where you have to let the game opportunities come to you and not try forcing something that isn’t there or in his case lately maybe wait too long in the pocket for a home run play? Fortunately, he has a top supporting cast around him that other QBs would drool over to have. And a OC that is keen on what is going on on the field. I am looking to this game where… Read more »
Since I tend to take a while to check certain things out I JUST NOW checked out the 2022-2023 college bowl schedule and noticed that the Fiesta Bowl and the Peach Bowl will be the 2 playoff locations (which frees up the Rose Bowl for non-playoff Pac-12 Team) AND The National Championship game is at So-Fi Stadium in Los Angeles (Gotta figure any teams whose campus is located somewhat close to that stadium would fill the stadium with fans ) <<<<< just saying …….So ……. is a date to play bowl game in a stadium within the lets say “Region… Read more »
JT Daniels (much better without the mustache) is looking pretty good for the Mountaineers who have just tied BAY 31-31 with 1:45 to go in the 3rd. Poised. Strong, accurate throws.
Update: JT throws horrible pick giving BAY the ball in scoring position with two mins left. 40-37 WV leads.
Travis Dye & Austin Jones can run the ball. UCLA’s OL proved the Ute’s DL can be run on. But yet, USC has superior WRs that the Ute defense has to cover. So spread them out and cause open space. Using all of the offensive weapons the USC offense has, and not limiting the plays, has to have a “not knowing where the ball is going next” effect on any defense. Forcing the Ute defense to react to plays rather than anticipate the next play will give the offense the advantage most every time.
I’m thinking we pass to set up the run. Caleb’s gotta be on though — like he was originally.
Or run to set up the pass. Our OL has to be very physical and together, and Dye and Austin, maybe even Brown, can gash them.
There. I think I’ve covered all my bases!
JT Daniels is QBing 2-3 WV tonight vs 3-2 BAY (-3) at 4pm PT (FS1). The Mountaineers offense is powered by JR QB JT Daniels. Daniels ranks 23rd nationally in completions per game at 23, by completing 115 of 181 passes (63.5 percent) for 1,209 yds and eight TDs passing and two rushing. He has been picked off twice, but has a rating of 132. His best game came in a 55-42 OT loss to KU. In that game, he completed 27 of 39 passes (69.2%) for 365 yds and three TDs. His top target is JR WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton, who is… Read more »
Looks like their OC, Graham Harrell, picked a good spot to rehab his coaching image
And at Dave Aranda’s expense. Aranda, once coveted by many USC fans to take over for The Cat, is now 3-3, and not so shiny anymore.
His Bears blew it late today with a bad special teams mistake when an extra point kick was blocked and returned for a 2-pt score by the Mountaineers. You don’t see those too often.
That was a fun game to watch. Nip and tuck all the way. I thought Daniels played very well 2nd half until the pick.
I have nothing against former SC kids who hit the portal. I hope they all find success, especially those who had to suffer the mismanagement of The Years of The Cat.
I’ll never forget the blocked XP play in the 2003 SC-UCLA game. SC had scored to make it 30-0 near halftime. UCLA blocked the kick and took it to the house to close the gap to 30-2.
AND THE UCLA PEP SQUADS EXPLODED IN JOY. The guys with the big flags took a lap around the field. The gymnast cheerleaders broke out their best moves. The band played Cal’s fight song over and over. The only things missing were the confetti and the national championship trophy. It was a delight to see.
This year’s USC/UCLA game on Nov 19 in the Rose Bowl will be one for the ages and spectacular I predict. Both teams have the ability to do big-time damage to each other, both through the air and on the ground. Caleb vs DTR. So many other great angles too, especially after last year’s humiliation. Time for the game has not been set yet. I’m hoping for one of those mid-afternoon kicks that start in the day and end at night, when it all looks so magically different by game’s end. But first, we need to get by UTAH and… Read more »
“No idea who is gonna win.” So true, and such a difference from the last 10 years.
Until 2012, I NEVER went to a game at the Coliseum expecting SC to lose. The first time was the Oregon game that year. And several times since.
Ya, it was amazing to go to the Coliseum when Pete Carroll was king and there was absolutely no chance for the other team to win, even Notre Dame and UCLA who were both owned by Carroll 8-1. Beating your rivals 16-2 over a nine-year period and having a super charismatic coach who was laughing his way to victories and having so much fun was an unforgettable run. Pete ended his reign after the 2009 season on Jan 11, 2010 when he announced he was moving on to Seattle. On June 10, the NCAA announced its crippling sanctions and that… Read more »
If I remember correctly, Alex Grinch was not a popular DC choice by many Trojan fans. Now…
Grinch is already one of the very top favorites for the 2022 Broyles Award. Beating UTAH would help his case I would say.
btw — Lincoln Riley won the Broyles Award back in 2015 as OU’s OC under Bob Stoops.
Jordan Palmer on Caleb Williams “Caleb Williams is gonna solve a lot of problems for you. He’s off the charts. He’s the next Mahomes. There’s a chance that at the end of this college football season, the general consensus will be that the best college football player is not actually in this draft (even though QBs might be taken 1,2,3). In a time when were have a lot of great young stars, it’s not just his physical ability, it’s his maturity. Caleb was the MVP of the Elite 11. He was the #1 recruit in the country. He came off the bench in a… Read more »
As I was watching this I wondering if any other SC fan was watching Colin and I Thought to myself ” Allen might be watching this ” …..FIGHT ON !!!!!
I do really like The Herd, though Cowherd can get a little nerve-wracking and predictable. Like us all, I suppose.
But at least he makes me think, often when I disagree most.
Guest Jordan Palmer sure has proven to be kind of a superstar in his own right. Nice to see the younger brother of a Trojan Heisman winner become a widely-respected national QB guru who has really carved out a successful path for himself, post-playing days.