Caleb Williams responds to Notre Dame fan taunting him after loss

After Notre Dame put the finishing touches on its resounding 48-20 victory over USC last week, Fighting Irish fans stormed the field. As they did, one fan came up to Caleb Williams as he walked off the field and taunted him about his nails, which he normally paints prior to games.

Wednesday, as USC prepared to take on Utah this week, Williams responded.

“I mean, everybody wants to be in these two 12.5 shoes right here,” Williams told reporters. “I’m not worried about some kid running out on the field that doesn’t have anything really associated to Notre Dame other than possibly their family going there or him going there himself. Got a lot of guys over here that I’ve got to lead, so some opinion of a sheep, lions don’t worry about that stuff. Keep moving on, keep fighting. Fight on.”

Williams had a rough night against the Notre Dame defense. He threw for three interceptions for the first time in his career and completed 23 of 37 passes for 199 yards and a touchdown in the effort. He also got sacked six times.

As a result, Williams’ Heisman Trophy odds took a hit. He entered Week 7 with the second-best odds to repeat as the winner, but according to BetMGM, he fell to +3500 following the game against Notre Dame.

What’s next for Caleb Williams, USC after loss to Notre Dame

Now, the goal for Williams and USC will be to bounce back. The Trojans are now 6-1 overall entering this week’s game against Utah, and Lincoln Riley said Williams has handled himself well in the aftermath of last week’s game.

“He’s always been really productive after either the team doesn’t win or if he doesn’t play up to his standard and our standards,” Riley said. “He’s always been a guy that bounces back strong. … He comes back hungry and ready to get better. Owning any mistakes that he has in it. He’s a competitor and it hurts him.”

USC has to bounce back quick, though. The Trojans not only face Utah this week, but then have to face Washington and Oregon later in the schedule. Still, Riley said Williams’ leadership has been strong in light of the rivalry loss.

“I think his resolve, the team’s resolve is very strong,” Riley said. “The confidence of the team is very, very strong. The belief of the team is very, very strong. … So, he’s been a good leader, had great energy. May have a tough one here and there but I doubt he has too many more.”