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Caleb Williams finds the end zone once more in triple OT, and No. 9 USC survives Arizona 43-41

by Ryan Lee
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Triple-Overtime Thriller

In a thrilling triple-overtime showdown, Caleb Williams displayed his prowess by finding the end zone once more, securing a dramatic 43-41 victory for No. 9 USC against Arizona.

Williams showcased his versatility, rushing for three touchdowns and orchestrating a two-point conversion in the third overtime, ultimately sealing the deal in this high-stakes encounter. The Trojans, now standing at an impressive 6-0 (4-0 Pac-12), owe much of their success to Williams, who also passed for 219 yards and three touchdowns.

Despite a hiccup with a missed 25-yard field goal attempt as regulation time expired, Williams maintained his composure. He engineered a remarkable 59-yard drive in the waning 2 minutes and 8 seconds of the fourth quarter. This resilience paved the way for an electrifying performance in overtime, where USC scored on each of its three possessions.

The climax of the match featured an unorthodox play in the third OT, with the USC offensive line shifting dramatically before Williams executed a decisive snap and sprinted towards the pylon for the game-winning two-point conversion.

The Trojans’ defense, led by linebacker Mason Cobb, delivered the final blow by stopping D.J. Williams behind the line, solidifying their hard-fought victory.

On the opposing side, Noah Fifita showcased his talent by passing for 313 yards and tossing two of his five touchdown passes to Jacob Cowing in overtime. The Wildcats (3-3, 1-2) came tantalizingly close to securing a significant victory under their third-year coach, Jedd Fisch, despite relinquishing an early 17-point lead.

USC’s unbeaten record at the Coliseum under coach Lincoln Riley was preserved, but it came at the cost of another exceptional effort from their star quarterback, Caleb Williams.

The game unfolded with numerous twists and turns. USC surged ahead 28-20 on Williams’ second TD run early in the fourth quarter, only for Arizona to stage a comeback, leveling the score with 8 minutes and 17 seconds left, thanks to a gutsy TD pass and a two-point conversion pass by Fifita.

USC had a chance to secure the win in regulation but faltered, with misfires, fumbles, and a high snap on fourth down, leaving the Coliseum in stunned silence.

Despite the challenging circumstances, Tanner McLachlan played a pivotal role for Arizona, catching a TD pass from Fifita. Jacob Cowing was the standout performer for the Wildcats, amassing 10 receptions for 87 yards and an impressive four TDs, while Jonah Coleman contributed with 143 rushing yards.

The Trojans, known for their polished offense, encountered an unusual start to the game. They failed to score a touchdown on their opening drive for the first time this season, allowing Arizona to take an early lead. Noah Fifita’s TD passes propelled the Wildcats to a 17-0 advantage early in the second quarter.

However, USC clawed back into the game, with Williams orchestrating a remarkable 77-yard drive, capping it off with a determined 18-yard rushing TD.

The game unfolded into a series of dramatic overtime exchanges, with both teams refusing to yield. Williams and Fifita showcased their mettle, trading touchdowns, and displaying exceptional poise under pressure.

In the end, USC emerged victorious after Austin Jones rushed for an 11-yard TD in the third overtime, clinching the win. Despite the thrilling victory, USC acknowledges that they have areas to improve, especially with a challenging second half of the season on the horizon.

Arizona, on the other hand, can take pride in their progress under Coach Fisch, even as they grapple with a potential quarterback controversy after Fifita’s standout performance.

Looking ahead, Arizona faces Washington State on October 14, while USC takes on Notre Dame in what promises to be another intense matchup on the same day.

For more college football updates, visit https://bigbignews.net/college-football and https://bigbignews.net/ap-top-25-college-football-poll.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Triple-Overtime Thriller

What was the final score of the USC vs. Arizona game?

The final score of the USC vs. Arizona game was 43-41 in favor of No. 9 USC after a thrilling triple-overtime showdown.

Who was the standout performer for USC in the game?

Caleb Williams, the star quarterback for USC, was the standout performer in the game. He rushed for three touchdowns, passed for three more, and executed a game-winning two-point conversion in the third overtime.

How did the game progress in overtime?

The game progressed dramatically in overtime, with both teams trading touchdowns and showcasing exceptional poise under pressure. USC scored on each of its three overtime possessions, while Arizona’s Noah Fifita threw two of his five touchdown passes to Jacob Cowing in overtime.

Did USC have a chance to win in regulation?

Yes, USC had a chance to win in regulation. Caleb Williams led a 59-yard drive in the last 2 minutes and 8 seconds of the fourth quarter, positioning the Trojans for a potential game-winning field goal. However, they botched a 25-yard field goal attempt on the final snap of regulation.

How did Arizona perform in the game, and what did it mean for their progress?

Arizona put up a strong performance in the game, initially taking a 17-point lead and later forcing overtime. Despite falling short in this thrilling matchup, the Wildcats can take pride in their progress under Coach Jedd Fisch.

What’s next for both teams after this game?

Following this game, Arizona is set to face Washington State on October 14. USC’s next challenge is a matchup against Notre Dame on the same day, and they acknowledge the need for improvement as they move forward in the season.

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