Last Updated on October 22, 2023 by BVN
Jon D. Gaede | BVN Sports
Ninth ranked USC remained unbeaten (6-0), but required three overtimes and a heroic effort by quarterback Caleb Williams, who once again found a way to win.
The coliseum home crowd is used to seeing the Trojans experience slow starts this season and Saturday night against the visiting Arizona Wildcats was no different. Arizona jumped out to a 17-0 lead into the 2nd quarter until the Trojans scored their first touchdown, but still trailed 17-14 at the half. Arizona freshman quarterback Noah Fifita (Servite HS) was 35 of 45 for 303 yards and five touchdowns.
Williams was often chased and hurried by the Wildcat front line, connecting on less than fifty percent of his passes, yet used his amazing ability to scramble many times. He connected with Brenden Rice four times for 96 yards, while MarShawn Lloyd added 86 yards on 145 attempts on the ground.
In the second half, Williams improvised with his legs by scrambling 12 times for 41 important yards and two touchdowns. In that third overtime, Williams ran the ball in from three yards out, then the Trojans ultimately stopped the Wildcats on downs securing a 43-41 victory.