The reigning Heisman Trophy winner had an outstanding game, but the Trojans’ defensive woes continued
After coming up short against Washington on Saturday, running back Caleb Williams had an emotional moment with his mom.
Williams, 21, jumped into the stands where his family was seated and leaned toward mother Dayna Price after USC’s 52-42 loss to the Huskies.
The reigning Heisman Trophy winner hugged his mother as she covered his face with a sign. Williams seemed overwhelmed by the tough loss.
With the loss to Washington, USC now falls to 7-3 for the season and its playoff hopes — as well as Williams’ desire to repeat as a Heisman winner — are looking increasingly unlikely.
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It was a battle of running backs – and not so defenses – with Williams completing 27 of 35 passes for 312 yards and three touchdowns and 2023 Heisman hopeful Michael Penix Jr. he finished with 256 yards and two scores.
After the game, the likely No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft was honest about his disappointment.
“I want to go home and cuddle with my dog and watch some shows,” he said at a news conference. “I do not know. Like, we lost the game. Something you work hard for months, years to have big games like this, try to win and play the best you can, every one of us.”
USC Quarterback Caleb Williams wins the Heisman Trophy
He added: “We lost today, so emotionally I want to go home and I want to lie down with my dog.”
With Williams’ frustration with the defense evident, USC fired its defensive coordinator Alex Grinch on Sunday, Trojans coach Lincoln Riley announced, according to ESPN.
Now, the team looks to Oregon next week. To have a shot at the Pac-12 title, USC would have to take home a win, according to ESPN.
Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire via Getty
While speaking with PEOPLE in August, the Washington, DC native said his goal this season was to achieve success as a team.
This year, the QB could make history and become just the second player ever to win the Heisman twice – Ohio State’s Archie Griffin did it in 1974 – but he said at the time that he would take the national championship instead of making Heisman history.
“I rank him No. 1 for sure,” he said of his title hopes at the time.
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