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USC quarterback Caleb Williams (13) is tackled by Utah safeties R.J. Hubert (11) and Cole Bishop (8) during the Pac-12 championship game on Friday, Dec. 2, 2022, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Steve Marcus) |
It's possible that USC's hopes of making the College Football Playoff were dashed on Friday night in Las Vegas.
If the fourth-ranked Trojans had defeated No. 11 Utah in the Pac-12 championship game, they almost definitely would have guaranteed themselves a berth in the four-team playoff. However, the Utes had other plans.
Utah fought back from an early 14-point deficit to win 47-24, capturing their second consecutive Pac-12 title and securing a berth in the Rose Bowl.
Due to the fact that no team with two losses has ever advanced to the College Football Playoff, No. 5 Ohio State may now have a chance to do so if USC loses.
After Caleb Williams and the USC offense got off to a brilliant start, the situation took an unexpected turn. Williams, the front-runner for the Heisman Trophy, was blazing early before a hamstring issue restricted his mobility. In the first quarter, he added to his Heisman resume with a gorgeous on-the-go long pass to Tahj Washington and a unique 59-yard rush.
Williams appeared to be in complete control, and USC looked to be headed for both a conference championship and a chance at the national crown.
Utah, though, was able to survive the USC onslaught and into the contest.
Utah scored twice in the final four minutes of the second quarter to equalize the game, which was USC's 17-3 lead, at the half.
Williams' hamstring injury after an exciting first-quarter run left him at less than 50%, according to USC coach Lincoln Riley.
Lincoln Riley said #USC quarterback Caleb Williams “popped his hamstring” early in the game and was playing at less than 50%. Riley considered going with a backup, but Williams didn’t want to come out of the game. “That’s as gutsy of a performance as you’ll ever see,” he said.
— Michael Cohen (@Michael_Cohen13) December 3, 2022
Williams' pocket movement became increasingly constrained as the half went on, yet it went unnoticed on the broadcast. Williams could hardly move when the second half started.
Williams was defenseless without the ability to use his legs to scramble, extend plays, or gain essential yardage with planned runs. The defenders of Utah got ready.
After going three-and-out on its opening three second-half opportunities, much-maligned USC's defense allowed Utah to take the lead for the first time.
Cam Rising connected with Money Parks for a 57-yard touchdown on a third-and-19 play, despite the USC defense missing many tackles on the play.
OH MY WORD! 3rd and 19 and @Utah_Football gets the 1st down AND THE TOUCHDOWN! 😱😱 pic.twitter.com/g4P68Hc2RI
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) December 3, 2022
It wouldn't be USC's only instance of subpar tackling.
On the first play of the fourth quarter, Utah increased its advantage to 10 points, 27-17. Williams then took charge of a valiant 75-yard touchdown drive to cut Utah's lead to only 27-24 with 10:52 remaining.
When it appeared like USC's situation was about to improve, the defense was unable to offer even a token of resistance.
Cam Rising connected with tight end Thomas Yassmin on a play-action throw only 44 seconds later. Yassmin, a 251-pounder, effortlessly avoided a one-arm tackle before pushing past Calen Bullock and into the end zone. With 10:08 remaining, that 60-yard touchdown increased Utah's advantage back to 10 points, 34-24.
💪 @TYassmin21 ARE YOU KIDDING?@Utah_Football makes it a 2 score game 😤 pic.twitter.com/LEphhNMUsI
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) December 3, 2022
Williams made yet another outstanding play on the subsequent drive when he scampered and connected with Jordan Addison in the backfield on a fourth-down play. But he made a crucial error two plays later. R.J. Hubert of Utah read Williams' staredown of a receiver perfectly and hauled in a painful interception in the end zone.
Ja'Quinden Jackson of Utah put the icing on the cake three plays after the interception when he ripped off an electrifying 53-yard touchdown run, pushing Utah's advantage to 40-24 with 5:29 left in the game.
ANOTHA ONE 🔥@leg3ndaryjaay and @Utah_Football ARE ROLLIN' 😤 pic.twitter.com/oczQ2h2fvM
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) December 3, 2022
All year long, Williams and the USC offense filled in for a weak defense. And on this particular night, the defense was totally unprepared to repay the favor.
Utah had amassed 533 yards of offense by the time the game was through, including 223 yards on the ground and a brilliant 310-yard, three-touchdown effort by quarterback Cam Rising.
Williams would end the game with 363 yards and three touchdowns, most of which were accomplished on only one leg. Although it wasn't a performance that should hurt his Heisman chances, Williams won't likely be thinking about an individual honor if the Trojans finish outside the top four on Sunday.
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