Caleb Williams pushes USC past Notre Dame and into perfect Playoff position: CFB media reacts

Nov 26, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams (13) rushes for a touchdown in the second half against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams (13) rushes for a touchdown in the second half against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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The USC Trojans are now in good shape to make the College Football Playoff after quarterback Caleb Williams helped lead them to a 38-27 win over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on Saturday.

Last week, the USC Trojans showed that they should be under consideration for the College Football Playoff after their thrilling win over the UCLA Bruins, thanks to a Heisman-worthy performance by quarterback Caleb Williams. In the process, they officially clinched a spot in the Pac-12 Championship Game. This week, however, they wanted to prove that they were College Football Playoff worthy.

They accomplished just that.

Facing a Notre Dame Fighting Irish team that the Playoff selection committee values so highly, the Trojans picked up a relatively easy 38-27 victory behind a four-touchdown performance by Williams. With this, and the losses by Ohio State and LSU on Saturday, USC is in great position to make the Playoff.

College football media shared their thoughts on USC’s College Football Playoff odds.

USC’s win over Notre Dame strengthens CFP case: College media reacts

https://twitter.com/joelklatt/status/1596717268691390464

Williams set the tone on the opening drive, needing just 10 plays to put the Trojans on the board first on an 11-yard touchdown pass to Tahj Washington. Then, right before halftime, Williams ran for a five-yard touchdown and hit the Heisman pose to give USC a 17-7 lead.

From there, the Trojans continued to pull away from the Fighting Irish, as Williams ran for two more touchdowns on the night. His three rushing touchdowns are his most in a game this season.

Williams completed 18-of-22 pass attempts for 232 yards and the touchdown pass to Washington.

This win is incredibly helpful for USC. The Ohio State Buckeyes were blown out 45-23 by the rival Michigan Wolverines and will likely tumble down the rankings. Then there was LSU, the No. 5 ranked team over USC, were embarrassed in a 38-23 Texas A&M Aggies.

As long as the Trojans win the Pac-12 Championship Game on Friday, Dec. 2, they stand a good chance of making the Playoff for the first time.

Projected College Football Playoff rankings after Week 13. dark. Next

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