WATCH: USC catches break as Jordan Addison recovers own fumble against Notre Dame

What was originally ruled a USC fumble that was recovered by Notre Dame in the first quarter on Saturday night turned out to be an impressive individual play by Trojan wideout Jordan Addison. After star Notre Dame edge rusher Isaiah Foskey forced the initial fumble, the star USC receiver managed to regather the ball while he was on the ground.

But an Irish defender diving in for the ball punched it loose from Addison. When the Irish came up from the scrum with the ball, officials gave Notre Dame possession in what would’ve been a big swing in a 7-0 game.

Instead, after reviewing the play, they determined that Addison had regained possession of the ball. And because he was on the ground, he was down and the play was over.

What a great effort play by Notre Dame’s Isaiah Foskey, chasing Jordan Addison downfield and forcing the fumble. (Which Addison recovered) pic.twitter.com/Vy2VZG3J5y

— Seven Rounds in Heaven (@7RoundsInHeaven) November 27, 2022

And even though the turnover was reversed, the Irish defense came up with a big stop to hold USC to a field goal on that drive, getting the ball back, trailing 10-0.

Quarterback Caleb Williams was ‘a baller’ in the first half for USC

Caleb Williams didn’t have the most explosive or prolific first half against Notre Dame, but he was certainly the difference for USC as the Trojans took a 17-7 lead into the half. And it was enough for USC head coach Lincoln Riley to hype up his quarterback going into half.

Williams was 10-for-13 passing for 146 yards and a touchdown plus a slick rushing touchdown on a read option with less than a minute remaining in the half. So good was the handoff fake that ABC play-by-play announcer Chris Fowler didn’t initially realize that Williams still had the ball.

“It was a good read by Caleb,” Riley said of the play. “His running skills obviously show, and did big there for us.”

Throughout the first half, Williams was scrambling around and evading pressure from Notre Dame as the Irish sought to disrupt the quarterback. Riley, who coached Williams last season at Oklahoma before the pair went to USC, is used to it by now.

“I’m used to it. I’m kind of used to seeing him run around. He’s had a couple that he should’ve gotten rid of but he’s playing like a baller,” Riley said.

So much of a baller that Williams struck a little Heisman pose when coming to the bench after his rushing score.