Caleb Williams says USC needed to face adversity

On3 imageby:Sam Gillenwater10/28/22

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For the first time this season, USC is down in the trenches. They’ve spent the better part of a week and a half mulling over their first loss of the season to Utah. While it cost them their goal of an undefeated season, though, Caleb Williams sees one way it can be a positive in the long run.

Williams spoke about the adversity that he and his team have faced this week following the 43-42 defeat in Salt Lake City during media after practice on Wednesday. In the end, he believes it makes them better because it makes them a better story. Nothing good ever came easily and, now that they’re no longer unblemished, he’s excited to see how the Trojans finish the story of this season.

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“One of our coaches said, ‘It can’t be a great book story without some adversity in it’. That’s what makes a great story and a great book,” said Williams. “That’s kind of the message that we’ve been giving the guys and myself. Can’t make a great book or a great story without a little adversity.”

The loss to Utah hurt that much more because it was within USC’s grasp. The Utes didn’t take their first lead of the game until the final minute. It was a real gut punch as the Trojans had been up as much as two touchdowns.

With that said, the story isn’t over for Williams and USC. Even after the loss and a bye week the last two weekends, the Trojans still sit second in the Pac-12. They also remain a Top-10 team in the AP Poll. They’ll have their chance at a conference title and, if everything breaks their way, they still have a case to make to the playoff committee over the final month of the season. That’s why Williams and his teammates are ready to get back out on the field this weekend at Arizona. Their story still needs an ending and he says they’re ready to reach that conclusion with a strong response.

“We’re gonna respond, keep our chin held high. We got punched in the face and (now) we’ll get back up and punch someone else in the face.”