Cal coach Justin Wilcox shares take on Caleb Williams

Currently on a four-game losing streak, California football coach Justin Wilcox now has the unenviable task of preparing for a top-10 team with an elite quarterback. Heisman Trophy contender Caleb Williams has been terrific for the No. 9 USC Trojans, and he’ll certainly test the Bears on Saturday.

California will be on the road for the fourth time this season, which means Williams wil be right at home, where’s most comfortable.

“Very, very explosive offense. They do what they do very well,” Wilcox said. “QB is a unique talent, his ability to throw the ball, be accurate with it. And then he’s a really strong individual. He’s got great instincts and when it’s time for him to run or move in the pocket or buy time he’s adept at that.”

Williams, the Oklahoma transfer who followed Lincoln Riley to USC this offseason, has keyed one of the nation’s most potent offenses.

The Trojans are currently tied for No. 8 nationally in scoring offense (41.0 points per game), while ranking No. 12 in total offense (493.5 yards per game).

Williams is a Heisman Trophy front-runner, currently at 178-of-275 passing for 2,382 yards with 24 touchdowns and just one interception. He has also run 65 times for 249 yards and three scores.

“Very talented guy and there’s a reason he gets a lot of attention,” Wilcox said.

Heisman Trophy contender Caleb Williams, USC looking to make playoff push

With only one loss and the Pac-12 race currently wide open, USC is hoping to work its way into the conference title game and eventually earn a spot in the College Football Playoffs. If it does, Williams will be a huge part of that equation.

He’s been terrific.

But there are still plenty of areas that Riley sees that the Trojans can improve.

“There’s still a lot to build on for this football team on all three sides,” Riley said. “And there’s still so much out there for us. And not just in terms of what we can win, but more in terms of how much better we can get as a football team. We’re in a race against time. When you’re in that race, you don’t worry about; well, we’ve been going at this for months, or we’ve been practicing so many straight days. You got to truly make the most of each day. Because, in reality, a lot of teams around this time of year eliminate themselves.”

California and USC will square off on Saturday in a game that kicks off at 10:30 p.m. ET with a broadcast on ESPN.