Kyle Whittingham knows what USC quarterback Caleb Williams is capable of, and he is not letting Williams’ struggles against Notre Dame distract him from that reality.

“The guy is as good as we have ever played, and I’ve been here 30 years,” Whittingham said Thursday during a radio hit on SiriusXM. “I don’t think there’s ever been a guy who’s better at extending the play and avoiding the rush. He’s got eyes in the back of his head.”

Whittingham went on to applaud Williams’ running ability, citing how strong his lower body is and how difficult it is to take him down in the open field.

“Some guys, they escape the pocket and attempt to run, but he escapes to scan downfield,” Whittingham said. “As a last resort he’ll run, and when he does, he’s an incredible runner.”

As a defensive-minded guy, Whittingham added that Williams is as tough a challenge as anybody for a defensive coordinator to prepare for.

Safe to say that Williams has earned the utmost respect from a coach who has seen nearly everything there is to see in college football.