Caleb Williams postgame message to Shedeur Sanders: Keep balling

After the two teams combined for 89, USC quarterback Caleb Williams and Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders couldn’t have put on a much better show than they did on Saturday. And after Williams prevailed, he shared a message to Sanders as the two met on the field.

Though Colorado had lost, 48-41, Sanders accounted for five touchdowns and nearly completed a furious comeback. The performance earned the respect of Williams, who made sure Sanders knew it.

“Keep balling,” Williams said, according to ESPN’s Paolo Uggetti.

Williams went 30-for-40 for 403 yards and six touchdowns, though he did throw an interception. He was his usual self, punishing the defense and taking risks that quite often paid off.

Sanders finished 30-for-45 for 371 yards and four touchdowns plus an interception through the air while adding 50 yards and a touchdown on the ground.

For a Colorado team that’s quickly dropped to 3-2 and 0-2 in Pac-12 play, Sanders will need to keep balling for the Buffaloes to have a chance against high-octane offenses in the league.

It was respect all around for USC and Colorado postgame

Heading into Saturday’s game against Colorado, Lincoln Riley spoke at length about the respect he has for Deion Sanders and what he’s done since taking over in Boulder. After USC fought off the Buffaloes and got a 48-41 victory on Saturday, he shared a special moment with Sanders’ son, Shedeur.

The Trojans held a 41-14 lead at one point, but Colorado battled back to eventually lose by seven points. Riley praised the Buffaloes’ resilience and the atmosphere at Folsom Field for one of the most anticipated Pac-12 games of the year.

Then, mid-interview, Riley congratulated Shedeur Sanders on his performance.

"Obviously something is going to have get better for us going forward."@JennyTaft checks in with with Lincoln Riley after the win vs Colorado ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/cH4XExJims

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 30, 2023

Williams, of course, had a monster day as he led the USC offense, as did Sanders as the two Heisman Trophy hopefuls battled it out in an offensive showcase.

It was quite a show from the two quarterbacks, and Riley credited both Sanders and Williams afterward for their efforts.

“It was a good battle,” Riley told FOX sideline reporter Jenny Taft. “Shedeur played really well in the second half. I mean, Caleb [Williams] has played at a high level, had a couple that we would want back there at the end, that we don’t typically make. But guy continues to perform for us. I’m proud of his progress and the rest of the team has to keep coming along.”