USC’s Caleb Williams Faces Criticism After Lackluster Performance Against Notre Dame

In a shocking turn of events during Week 8, USC’s star quarterback Caleb Williams faced intense scrutiny following a subpar performance against the Fighting Irish, ultimately leading to the Trojans’ first loss of the season. ESPN’s Chris Low’s omission of Williams from his midseason All-American team only added fuel to the fire, casting doubt on Williams’ Heisman Trophy and NFL draft prospects.

Key Takeaways:

• Caleb Williams’ three first-half interceptions were a major factor in USC’s first loss of the season.
• ESPN’s Chris Low did not include Williams in his midseason All-American team, sparking further criticism.
• Williams’ stock as a top NFL draft prospect is now in question, and he faces a tough road ahead in the loaded Pac-12 conference.

In a game that was supposed to solidify Caleb Williams’ status as a college football superstar, the USC quarterback instead found himself at the center of controversy. Williams’ dismal performance against Notre Dame, marked by three first-half interceptions, left Trojans fans and pundits alike scratching their heads. This was a far cry from the quarterback who had shown immense promise earlier in the season.

One of the most significant blows to Williams’ reputation came from ESPN writer Chris Low, who excluded him from his midseason All-American team. Low’s decision to overlook Williams was a clear statement about the quarterback’s recent struggles. It’s worth noting that Williams had been a frontrunner in the Heisman Trophy race, but this disappointing display has thrown his candidacy into doubt.

QB: Michael Penix Jr., Washington

Penix is currently the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy and has already had his big-stage moment in rallying Washington to a thrilling 36-33 win over Oregon on Saturday. Penix, one of the many talented transfer quarterbacks around the country, is No. 1 nationally by a wide margin with 383.5 passing yards per game and has thrown 20 touchdown passes and just three interceptions.

Honorable mention: Jayden Daniels, LSU

via Chris Low, ESPN.com

Moreover, NFL scouts, who had been closely monitoring Williams as a top draft prospect, are now reevaluating their assessments. His erratic performance against Notre Dame has raised concerns about his ability to perform at the next level. Williams, who had previously been considered a potential first-round pick, may now face an uphill battle to regain that status.

Adding to the mounting pressure on Williams is the fact that USC’s undefeated season has come to an end. The Trojans now find themselves in a suddenly competitive Pac-12 conference, where every game is a critical battle. Williams will need to quickly recover his form and confidence if he hopes to lead USC to a successful season.

Looking ahead, Williams’ next challenge comes in the form of the Utah Utes, a team that handed him two losses last season. It’s a pivotal moment for Williams, as he seeks redemption and aims to prove his doubters wrong. With the spotlight shining brightly on him, he must find a way to bounce back and lead his team to victory in a conference that promises no easy wins.

In conclusion, Caleb Williams’ recent struggles have put his reputation, Heisman candidacy, and NFL draft prospects in jeopardy. ESPN’s Chris Low’s omission from the midseason All-American team has only exacerbated the situation. As USC navigates the competitive Pac-12, all eyes will be on Williams as he faces a critical juncture in his career. Whether he can rise to the occasion and silence his critics remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the pressure is on for the talented quarterback.