Lincoln Riley calls for better ball security from Caleb Williams
It’s been tough sledding of late for USC and Caleb Williams, as the Trojans have lost three of the last four. And while there are bigger issues than Williams’ play, head coach Lincoln Riley did note one point Williams must improve on right away: Ball security.
With a fumble lost in each of the past two games, Riley shared that he’s emphasized protecting the ball with his quarterback. And while Riley can tolerate the occasional fumble, especially caused by the defense, he can’t tolerate the fumble Williams lost late in the first half against Washington in a loss last Saturday.
“That’s gotta be better, especially the one against Washington, just because there was a potential opportunity to throw the ball away. But certainly, worse case scenario there you just get sacked, we’re probably going to be able to run the clock out and that be the last possession of the half. The one against Cal, you certainly want him to hang on to, but he was getting ready to throw the ball and sometimes they just catch you right at the inopportune time,” Riley said to reporters on Thursday.
It’s been rare for Riley to criticize Williams as such, mostly because the quarterback so rarely puts a foot wrong.
In 10 games, Williams has completed 69.2% of his passes for 2958 yards, 28 touchdowns and four interceptions and rushed for 10 more touchdowns. He’s widely expected to be the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft — or close to it — and with that territory comes the nit-picking criticism, even from his own coach.
But amid recent struggles, Riley is likely most concerned with getting the wins rolling again.
“But the one against Washington can’t happen. The ball security’s gotta be better. We get pressure back there we’ve certainly gotta be able to hang on to it and it’s super important. We’ve done a good job hanging on to ’em last year and the early part of this year, but we’ve had a few too many on the ground the last few weeks,” Riley said.
Williams has had his leadership tested this season
At 7-3 and on the outside of the rankings, USC is not where they wanted to be at this point. Those circumstances have tried everyone in Los Angeles in different ways, including Williams.
Williams spoke about the burden that this season has been on him as the face of the Trojans during a media availability on Wednesday. It’s a difficult spot because losing has not been a part of his career for some time.
“It’s testing me because it’s tough. I’ve never really been in this position – in the regular season with three losses – regardless of where I’ve been,” said Williams. “Now, being in college? Playing at one of the most prestigious colleges and the best conference in the country right now? It’s tough.”
With 10 games gone, all Williams can do now is lean on others. No matter who he is talking to, he wants to hear the advice of others in order to relay those lessons and be a better leader to his teammates.
“You have talks with people that you believe in that, maybe, have been through it. Someone that you trust, like Coach Riley, kind of sitting down, talking with him after losses. Whether it’s right after the game or Sunday when I come up here and get around the guys, workout, whatever the case may be,” said Williams.