USC's Caleb Williams Cries on Sidelines Following Loss: 'I Want To Go Home and Cuddle with My Dog'
The reigning Heisman Trophy winner had an outstanding game, but the Trojans' defensive woes continued
Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty
After coming up short against Washington on Saturday, quarterback Caleb Williams had an emotional moment with his mom.
Williams, 21, jumped into the stands where his family was seated and leaned in towards mom Dayna Price following USC’s 52-42 loss against the Huskies.
The reigning Heisman Trophy winner embraced his mom as she covered his face with a sign. Williams appeared overcome by the tough defeat.
With the loss to Washington, USC now drops to 7-3 for the season and its playoff hopes — as well as Williams’ desire to repeat as a Heisman winner — are increasingly unlikely.
It was a battle of the quarterbacks — and not much defense — with Williams completing 27 of 35 passes for 312 yards and three touchdowns, and 2023 Heisman hopeful Michael Penix Jr. finishing with 256 yards and two scores.
After the game, the presumptive No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft was candid about his disappointment.
“I want to go home and cuddle with my dog and watch some shows,” he said at the press conference. “I don’t know. Like, we lost the game. Something you work hard for throughout months, years to have big games like this, try and go win and play your best, each and every one of us.”
Related: USC Quarterback Caleb Williams Wins the Heisman Trophy
He added, “We came out with a loss today, so emotionally, I want to go home and I want to lay with my dog.”
With Williams’ frustration about the defense evident, USC fired its defensive coordinator Alex Grinch on Sunday, Trojans coach Lincoln Riley announced, according to ESPN.
Now, the team looks on to Oregon next week. To have a chance at the Pac-12 title, USC would have to take home the win, per ESPN.
Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire via Getty
While talking to PEOPLE in August, the Washington, D.C. native shared that his goal coming into this season was finding success as a team.
This year, the QB could make history and become only the second player ever to win the Heisman twice — Ohio State’s Archie Griffin did it in 1974 — but he said at the time he would take a national championship over making Heisman history.
“I rank it as No. 1 for sure,” he said at the time about his title hopes.
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