Caleb Williams threw for 411 yards and 5 touchdowns, and No. 10 Southern California scored two touchdowns within the fourth quarter to outlast Arizona 45-37 on Saturday evening.
The Trojans (7-1, 5-1 Pac-12) had an additional week to shake off their first lack of the season, an emotional 43-42 setback at No. 14 Utah.
USC fought off some early missed alternatives — one brought on by the officers — in opposition to Arizona, racking up 621 complete yards to match its greatest begin since 2008. The Trojans have received 10 straight in opposition to Arizona.
The Wildcats (3-5, 1-4) almost saved up with USC offensively, ending with 543 complete yards. Defensively, they struggled with missed tackles and allowed USC to transform 11 of 17 on third down.
Jayden de Laura threw for 380 yards and three touchdowns to Dorian Singer, the final a 5-yarder that reduce USC’s result in 45-37 with 1:26 left. USC recovered the onside kick to seal the victory.
Arizona saved it shut many of the evening.
Singer had a spectacular 23-yard landing catch from de Laura, warding off a defender to snare it one-handed, and Tyler Loop kicked two area objectives.
Williams had a pair of first-half landing passes, however the Trojans additionally missed on some good scoring alternatives.
USC settled for a area aim on its first drive and Denis Lynch missed badly on a 56-yard try after Williams’ 30-yd TD move to Terrell Bynum was referred to as again by a holding penalty.
USC gave the impression to be in good place for extra factors simply earlier than halftime when Williams hit Rice on a 33-yard move to Arizona’s 10. As an alternative, the officers began the clock earlier than recognizing the ball and Williams could not spike it earlier than time ran out, leaving USC coach Lincoln Riley incensed.
Williams discovered Tahj Washington on a 3-yard landing to open the third quarter, then discovered him once more on a 47-yard rating as he was being hit to place USC up 31-16.
Arizona rallied, closing to 31-29 on de Laura’s 19-yard TD move and Michael Wiley’s 10-yard TD run on an choice.
USC lastly stretched the lead after that. Williams hit Kyle Ford on a 5-yard landing to open the fourth quarter and Travis Dye leaped in for a 2-yard TD run to make it 45-29.
THE TAKEAWAY
USC had a tough time shaking the Wildcats and had some breakdowns defensively with a number of key gamers out, however pulled out a tricky highway win to remain within the thick of the Pac-12 Championship race.
Arizona was in a position to preserve it shut many of the evening behind de Laura and the offense. The Wildcats’ protection, a weak spot many of the season, let the upset slip via their fingers.
UP NEXT
USC hosts California subsequent Saturday.
Arizona performs at No. 14 Utah subsequent Saturday.
