No. 9 USC Fends Off Cal Behind Caleb Williams’ 5 TDs

Caleb Williams (13) of the USC Trojans runs the ball against the California Golden Bears in the first quarter at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, on Nov. 5, 2022. Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Caleb Williams passed for four touchdowns and rushed for a fifth, and host No. 9 Southern Cal survived a second-half scare to outlast Pac-12 Conference counterpart Cal 41–35 Saturday, Nov. 5, in Los Angeles.

The Trojans (8–1, 6–1 Pac-12) extended their lead to 34-14 in the third quarter when Williams connected with Tahj Washington on an 8-yard touchdown pass. The game shifted quickly from there.