Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Caleb Williams Heavily Criticized By NFL World For Decision Making In USC’s Loss To Notre Dame

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated 10/15/23

The NFL world had harsh things to say about Caleb Williams following USC’s four-touchdown loss to Notre Dame Saturday night. USC quarterback Caleb Williams, considered by pretty much every draft analyst to be the top prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft, had the worst performance of his college career in the loss.

William’s three first-half interceptions put the Trojans behind 24-6 at the half. Williams didn’t throw any more interceptions in the second half, but the halftime deficit was too high for USC to overcome. He finished 23/37 for 199 yards and added a touchdown pass on the night.

USC’s offense looked out of sync all night, as the offense lost two fumbles, one of which was returned for a Notre Dame touchdown. It wasn’t the performance by Williams and the offense many football fans saw coming, as issues with USC’s play early in the season came on the defensive side of the ball.

But Williams and the offense cost the team a chance to keep an undefeated season. The USC defense held Notre Dame to just 251 yards of total offense Saturday night.

NFL world critical of Caleb Williams’ play against Notre Dame

Notre Dame’s defense was the first real test for Williams this season. It was a chance for the future NFL quarterback to show his skills against players he will see at the next level.

And he didn’t look good.

Fans took to social media to criticize Williams’ play. Here are the best takes on X of Williams struggling against Notre Dame.

Caleb Williams in the first half tonight pic.twitter.com/Cy4DzfBjiI

— Mikey Londergan (@JustMikenAround) October 15, 2023

Michael Penix is more pro ready than Caleb Williams right now simply because of his quick decision making. Caleb has way more talent but has to learn to get rid of the ball

— Gobo (@gobo49) October 15, 2023

Bill Belichick after watching Caleb Williams tonight: pic.twitter.com/pMHLcMhETP

— BrycenNFL (@BrycenNFL) October 15, 2023

Michael Penix is more pro ready than Caleb Williams right now simply because of his quick decision making. Caleb has way more talent but has to learn to get rid of the ball

— Gobo (@gobo49) October 15, 2023

Caleb Williams when he isn't facing a bottom-5 team in the country#CalebWilliams #NotreDame #uscfootball pic.twitter.com/ha8DwVHEcB

— Cuongpado (@Cuongpado87) October 15, 2023

Just watched the three Caleb Williams interceptions. Two of them simply came down to baffling decision-making.

He has that great arm, but there's the downside to his gunslinger mentality. You just need to know when to hit the checkdown and when to throw the ball away in the NFL.

— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) October 15, 2023

Man… Caleb Williams having a ROUGH first half against this ND defense. A few ill-advised decisions with pressure in his face. Notre Dame making USC not even look like a ranked team right now.

— Aaron Leming (@AaronLemingNFL) October 15, 2023