Caleb Williams breaks down UCLA's defense
Of all the great defenses that USC has faced so far this season, they’ll face one the best, if not the best, in their season finale on Saturday against UCLA. QB Caleb Williams knows the Bruins will be a challenge considering the personnel at their disposal.
Williams evaluated the Trojans’ final opponent, specifically their defense, during his media availability on Wednesday. He highlighted their interior as well as their secondary, including CB John Humphrey, as pieces that come together to make them the high-quality unit that they are.
“They do a good job,” said Williams.
“UCLA? They’ve got a really good front seven. That’s probably the strength of their team,” Williams noted. “They’ve got a bunch of guys that have length in the secondary, especially No. 6 – dude is, like, probably 6’5 or something play corner, 6’4. Super long arms, good movement, speed – things like that.”
UCLA is, statistically, the best defense that USC has faced as they’re No. 10 in the nation by giving up just 16.4 points per game. That includes holding eight of their ten opponents under 20 points.
DL Laiatu Lata leads the way for the Bruins on the inside with 11 of the team’s 36 sacks. Then, on the outside, they’ve forced 11 interceptions to bring the defense’s turnover total to 18.
Something is going to have to give inside Memorial Coliseum for two teams that have won just three of their last 10 games combined. If USC is going to be the squad that breaks out of their funk, Williams and the Trojan offense will need to defeat the UCLA defense in order to give them the edge.
“They’ve got a bunch of key guys on their defense that are going to make plays,” said Williams. “I think it’ll be a good test for us and a good battle.”
Williams shares how he wants to be remembered at USC
Saturday marks a big day for USC QB Caleb Williams and not just because it will be his 22nd birthday.
It’s the last game of the regular season for the Trojans as they’ll face in-town rival UCLA in what could very well be the last time anyone ever sees Williams in a USC uniform.
Williams has not yet decided if he will participate in the team’s bowl game after the regular season concludes or if this will be his final season at USC. However, a strong majority of the football community believes he will declare for the upcoming NFL Draft. From there, he will likely be the No. 1 overall pick.
With Williams’ collegiate career potentially coming to a close, he spoke this week about how he wants the Trojans’ fanbase to remember him.
“I honestly haven’t thought of anything like that,” Williams honestly admitted. “I’d say a player that went out there and gave his all every play, every chance he got. A player that cared for his teammates. I’d say a player that wanted to go out there and win every single game that we had.”
“So I’d say those. And, obviously, as a player? You want to go down and try to be one of the best and greatest players ever,” Williams concluded.