LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 07: Caleb Williams #13 of the USC Trojans avoids a tackle from Justin Flowe #10 of the Arizona Wildcats during the third quarter at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on October 07, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)

Caleb Williams Completes 56% of Passes vs. Unranked Arizona

October 14, 2023 | Daniel Kelly | Articles

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Once again USC quarterback (QB) Caleb Williams showed off his gifted athleticism in a triple-overtime 43-41 win over unranked Arizona.

USC OFFENSIVE GAME FILM VS. ARIZONA CAN BE SEEN BY CLICKING HERE.

However, I don’t know about you, but I am concerned when a supposed ‘generational talent,’ like Williams struggles against lower-level competition.

Last year’s Heisman Trophy winner looked sloppy against the Wildcats.

Sure, he and his No. 10 ranked USC team still found a way to win, but he didn’t look like some polished prospect who has outgrown the college ranks and is ready to be the savior of some downtrodden NFL franchise.

Holding the ball too long

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 07: Martell Irby #13 of the Arizona Wildcats tackles Caleb Williams #13 of the USC Trojans during the first quarter at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on October 07, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)

This was a real problem for Williams who went 14-of-25 for 219 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.

I charted 10 plays against the Wildcats he held the ball too long in the pocket.

Sure, because he is naturally athletically gifted, he was able to play “hero ball” and turn some of these instances into nice-looking plays, but he also ate four sacks.

The main reason this is a concern – – it’s not just this game. Last season, when I evaluated every snap Williams took, this showed up…

The tendency to hold the ball too long.

I am also starting to question if he is seeing the field well in these situations or if he is just trying to make highlight plays.

Why didn’t USC QB Caleb Williams throw to the open tight end flashing across the middle vs. Arizona (2023) and instead ate a sack? pic.twitter.com/R8gKo8go0N
— FIRST ROUND MOCK (@firstroundmock) October 14, 2023

Downfield placement issues

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 07: Caleb Williams #13 of the USC Trojans looks to pass the ball during the second overtime against the Arizona Wildcats at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on October 07, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)

Williams threw seven short passes (out of 25) in this game (28%).

Outside of that, his ball placement was inconsistent at the intermediate-to-deep route levels, which is why he produced his lowest completion percentage of the season to date (56%).

His passes were all over the road (off-target).

At times, it looked like he was trying to aim his passes with a narrower throwing base and his legs closer together (which looked more forced and awkward).

The ability to put the football in an ideal location for receivers to run through catches and pick up additional yardage in the NFL is a coveted trait and against Arizona, that absolutely was not the case.

What did Williams do well?

In terms of an NFL translation, it was noticeable how well Williams was going through his progressions against the Wildcats. I only tallied two intermediate-to-deep range throws where he locked in with his receiver pre-delivery.

Williams also only had one disrupted pass and did well in terms of ball security. This is big at the next level.

How about running?

The USC QB ran the ball a season-high 12 times in this game for 41 yards and three touchdowns.

No question, he was a force on the ground. Several times when he held the ball too long in the pocket, he took off running with it.

All that was great and he took care of his body while running for the most part, with the exception of a couple of times.

Scouting summary

For the second time this season (the other time was against No. 87 ASU), USC Head Coach Lincoln Riley had far fewer short passes (half as many) drawn into this game plan and the result was Williams looked far more out of control.

Interestingly enough, the two games this season Williams has struggled the most have been the two games against ASU and Arizona where he had between 28-32% short passes game planned.

-San Jose State (60% of Williams passes were short-range).

-Nevada (61% of Williams passes were short-range).

-Stanford (62% of Williams passes were short-range.)

-ASU (32% of Williams passes were short-range).

-Colorado (60% of Williams passes were short-range).

-Arizona (28% of Williams passes were short-range).

He turned in his two lowest completion percentages of the season so far against ASU and Arizona. Additionally, Williams ran more (ASU: 9 times and Arizona: 12 times) in these two games than any other of the games so far this season.

Yes, USC won the game, but I am seeing a pattern.

Daniel Kelly is a former NFL Scout with the New York Jets. He was hired on the regime which featured Bill Parcells, Bill Belichick, Scott Pioli, Mike Tannenbaum, and Dick Haley. He is currently the Editor-in-Chief for First Round Mock, contributes at Yardbarker, and has written for Sports Illustrated Lions, Jets, and 49ers, as well as a featured guest on ESPN Radio and Fox Sports Radio. For more information about him visit his website at whateverittakesbook.com. Find him on Twitter @firstroundmock.