Williams dominant early with 4 first half TDs
USC quarterback Caleb Williams got off to a blazing start against Colorado by tying his career-high with 6 touchdown passes, leading the Trojans to a 48-41 victory.
In the first half alone, Williams tied his previous career-best of 4 touchdown tosses. Three of them went to his favorite target Jordan Addison. Their connection was clicking early and often, as Addison had two first-quarter touchdowns of 33 and 48 yards.
Williams also found a wide-open Kyle Ford for a 41-yard strike in the second quarter. After Colorado scored to cut the USC lead to 21-10, Williams responded immediately by dropping a perfect pass in stride to Addison for a 31-yard touchdown.
Williams’ four first-half touchdowns showed he was well on his way to a career day in the passing game. He finished the first half 14/18 for 298 yards and 4 scores.
Colorado battles back behind big days from Lewis and Arias
Despite Williams’ huge first half, Colorado refused to go away. The Buffaloes showed resilience behind stellar performances from WR Jordyn Tyson and QB J.T. Shrout.
Shrout hit Tyson for a 66-yard catch and run touchdown in the third quarter. On the next drive, a wide open Tyson scored on a 45-yard bomb from Shrout. Just like that, Colorado cut the USC lead to 31-24.
Late in the third, Shrout connected with Daniel Arias for a 55-yard touchdown to tie the game 31-31. Arias had a monster day, finishing with 4 catches for 141 yards and the long score. The USC secondary struggled to contain the speedy Colorado receivers all game.
Back-and-forth 4th quarter filled with drama
The fourth quarter featured both teams exchanging scores in a dramatic back-and-forth affair. USC running back Travis Dye punched in a short touchdown run to give the Trojans a 38-31 advantage.
But Colorado came right back with an eight play, 75-yard drive, capped by a Jordyn Tyson’s third touchdown of the day on a ten-yard pass from Shrout. The score was now knotted up 38-38 with half the fourth quarter remaining.
After forcing a USC punt, Colorado had a chance to take its first lead of the game. But USC safety Max Williams came up with a massive interception of Shrout with five minutes left.
That set the stage for Caleb Williams to lead a clutch scoring drive. He hit Tahj Washington for a seven-yard touchdown to put USC back on top 45-38.
Shrout responded with a scoring drive of his own, plunging in for a one-yard touchdown run. With just 1:30 remaining, Colorado tied the score yet again 45-45.
Williams caps career day with game-winning TD drive
The game ultimately came down to which quarterback could lead one final scoring drive. Caleb Williams ensured it was him, methodically moving USC down the field on nine plays.
Fittingly, he capped the drive with a ten-yard touchdown pass to Addison, their third scoring connection of the day. That put USC ahead for good, 48-45 with just 0:35 left.
The USC defense finally came up with a stop, as Colorado turned it over on downs to seal the Trojan victory. Williams finished with 474 yards passing and a career-high six touchdowns. Addison had nine catches for 173 yards.
It was a playoff atmosphere type game that came down to the wire. Williams once again showed poise beyond his years, leading USC to the win. The Trojans and their star quarterback remain undefeated at 6-0.
Keywords: Caleb Williams, USC football, Colorado, Jordan Addison, J.T. Shrout, Jordyn Tyson, Daniel Arias, Travis Dye, Max Williams, Tahj Washington
