USC Dominates Nevada with 66-14 Victory: Caleb Williams Shines with 5 TD Passes
USC displayed another dominant performance as they cruised to a 66-14 victory over Nevada. Led by quarterback Caleb Williams, the Trojans showcased their offensive prowess with Williams throwing for 319 yards and five touchdowns. The standout moment of the game came when 275-pound defensive lineman Stanley Ta’ufo’ou returned a fumble 23 yards for a touchdown, much to the delight of head coach Lincoln Riley.
Riley expressed his satisfaction with the team’s big plays and overall improvement, highlighting how enjoyable it is when big people score. The Trojans’ success against Nevada sets them up for bigger challenges in the future.
Williams had an exceptional game, completing 18 of 24 passes for 319 yards and four touchdowns. He also showcased his mobility, rushing for 42 yards. However, Riley emphasized that while Williams’ performance was impressive, there is still room for improvement. The coach acknowledged that there were a few plays they would like to have back, emphasizing the need to capitalize on every opportunity.
The USC offense had a standout game, amassing a total of 668 yards, the most under Coach Riley’s tenure. The team’s 66 points matched their highest-scoring game since Riley took over as head coach.
USC’s victory was not only highlighted by Williams’ performance, but also by the contributions of other players. Receivers Tahj Washington, Zachariah Branch, Michael Jackson III, and Brenden Rice all caught touchdown passes from Williams. MarShawn Lloyd, a transfer from South Carolina, made an impact with 76 rushing yards and 59 receiving yards. Additionally, freshmen Quinten Joyner and Duce Robinson scored their first career touchdowns in the fourth quarter.
On the other side, Nevada had a tough outing with their only touchdown coming on their opening drive. Quarterback Brendon Lewis threw for 182 yards, while freshman AJ Bianco impressed with a 77-yard touchdown pass on his first career attempt.
Looking ahead, USC will face a tougher test when they host Stanford in their next game. Nevada will aim to bounce back as they host Idaho.
Despite their dominant performance, USC head coach Lincoln Riley expressed his disapproval of the Pac-12’s decision to suspend backup defensive back Christian Roland-Wallace for the first half of the game. Riley argued that Roland-Wallace’s role in a previous game’s melee was minor and criticized the late notice from the conference regarding the suspension.
In conclusion, USC’s 66-14 victory over Nevada showcased their offensive prowess led by quarterback Caleb Williams. The Trojans’ performance sets them up for future challenges, while Nevada looks to regroup after a tough loss.
