Zachariah Branch is born as a star in his Coliseum debut, igniting USC to splashy win
Allen Wallace/various media — LOS ANGELES — For about 30 minutes of football, the 2023 version of USC looked a lot like the 2022 version.
In its season opener against San Jose State on Saturday night, the No. 6-ranked Trojans scored plenty of points but the supposed new-look defense was once again shaky, showing flashes of the team’s added talent, but struggling to contain a mobile quarterback.
But then…move over, Caleb Williams.
Zachariah Branch arrived for his big splash, which looks like it could turn into a full-on tsunami. Branch can lay claim to one of the most electric debuts in USC football history, and a role that has USC fans undoubtedly expecting crazy highlights each week.
The 5-10, 175-pounder jolted No. 6 USC out of its offseason slumber with 232 all-purpose yds and two touchdowns in a season-opening 56-28 victory over San José State at the Coliseum on Saturday.
After San José’s Nick Nash caught a 32-yard touchdown pass to cut USC’s lead to 35-21 with 1:50 remaining in the third quarter, casting a semi-nervous pall over the announced crowd of 63,411, Branch received the kickoff near the four-yard line, patiently tip-toed forward slowly before suddenly hitting overdrive straight up the middle. He hopped over a tackler and the crowd rumbled with excitement. He zig-zagged to the sideline at midfield and spectacularly cut back among several defenders a final time on an otherworldly 96-yd TD bonanza as the fans roared with both cheers — and relief.
Reigning Heisman Trophy winner Williams completed 18 of 25 passes for 278 yds and four touchdowns. While he provided the type of highlight fans have grown accustomed to when he misplayed a snap, recovered it, and quickly slung a massive 76-yard touchdown “hero play strike” to Tahj Washington (16) in the second quarter, he ceded the main spotlight to Branch, who tied for the team lead with four receptions for 58 yds including a sparkling 25-yard touchdown, also in the third quarter. Overall, Branch had 12 yds rushing, 96 on the kick return and 66 on punt returns.
Branch became the first USC player to score a touchdown off a kick return since 2019 and the first true freshman to do so since current New York Giant and all-time Trojan lightning streak Adoree Jackson did in 2014.
Coaches and teammates raved about the Las Vegas Bishop Gorman’s five-star prospect’s talent during training camp as he worked his way into the starting unit. But coach Lincoln Riley publicly tempered expectations for Branch when asked about the freshman’s progress, saying nonchalantly that Branch had been working with all groups evenly. The receiver room was one of USC’s deepest positions, making it difficult for USC’s newest star to break through, though Trojan coaches have described his talent as “just different.”
It was scintillating – and nearly enough to distract from an ugly defensive start. In the first half Saturday, outside of some legitimately solid stretches of play – strong pressure from Oklahoma State transfer linebacker and now-captain Mason Cobb and some eye-popping bursts off the line from Georgia State transfer Jamil Muhammad – the line looked limp and the secondary seemed splintered against a quick-hitting San Jose State attack.
An all-too-familiar easy 28-yard run on a third-and-22 from Chevan Cordeiro led to a second-quarter touchdown, and a complete breakdown led to that wide-open TD grab from Nash with only eight seconds left in the half. Nash caught three TD passes from Cordeiro, who passed for 198 yds and rushed for 52 more.
USC’s offense shone as a whole with steady Stanford transfer Austin Jones (6) running tough for a pair of scores and four different Trojans receivers (Singer, Washington, Branch, Brenden Rice) hauling in a touchdown.
But scoring TDs was never the question for the Trojans this year. And the bad taste from last year’s defensive collapse still lingers.
“No matter what the score was, if this was a three-point game, if it was a 28-point game, if it was a 50-point game, there’s gonna be that climb to the next step,” head coach Lincoln Riley said postgame. “And that’s where our focus is gonna stay. A lot of work to do, and we’re the right people to get it done.”
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Hmmmm…what overly complicated, totally inappropriate call can I come up with now?
I wish his defense was as stingy as his Namesake!
I am in the camp that there is too much being made of the defensive start. I think this game was treated as the last event of fall camp – there was a lot of exploring going on here. The only thing that concerns me from a season outlook standpoint was the total inability to contain the run and a mobile QB. That looks like a scheme flaw. Something is still broken there, and I am not buying that we would do a “rope-a-dope” on the run game against SJS just to give everyone a false sense of security in… Read more »
Grinch has that horrible ability to guess wrong at the exact wrong time
If the Trojans were a cheese, what would they be called?
Luca Evans (OC Register) — “Too often, key USC penalties extended San Jose State drives. Too often, Spartans quarterback Chevan Cordeiro turned the Trojans into Swiss cheese, scampering for gain after first-half gain as attempts to contain him with a quarterback spy simply fell short.
Rewatched the game yesterday. Gotta love DVR. From my armchair coaching spot I noticed a few things I didn’t see the first go around.
Also, even on fast forward that stupid on side kick review took forever. Get it together already.
True frosh DL Elijah Hughes (6-3, 270; Arlington, VA) was selected as the 2022 6D Regional Defensive Player of the Year and the Liberty District Defensive Player of the Year while playing both OL and DL at Washington-Liberty (Va.) HS. It was the first time a football player from Washington-Liberty earned these distinctions in over 20 years.
Paying attention to various media of all types, it’s clear USC’s rep took an immediate and noticeable hit this weekend and the Trojans have dropped in status per lots of opinions floating around. Quite a few people have settled in with the thinking that Grinch is simply beyond repair. He has his haters of course, and always has, but now he also has some fence sitters that are just disgusted with what they saw — again. For the first time, I now see Lincoln Riley being under intense pressure to fix something he apparently hasn’t known how to fix all… Read more »
Allen, I could be wrong, but I do not think USC’s rep took a hit. I think that rep was simply there and what was already there simply became visible. I have always thought that Grinch’s career ended in the Cotton Bowl and LR made a mistake in not replacing him, because of exactly what is happening. I do not know how one overcomes that large a failure on that large a stage. Grinch set his rep with that game (I used the example of Keanu Reeves character in “The Replacements” – a QB whose career was ruined by an… Read more »
The perception will persist until it is emphatically refuted with strong evidence to the contrary. That means a much improved D over many games, maybe the whole season. Any lapse, and the nay-sayers will be right back out with their bullhorns. Who am I to say this, but I will anyway. If I were in Grinch’s shoes, I would have played my best players most, if not all, of the first game. I’d have told them behind closed doors, “Look everyone, we will expand the rotation beginning with game 2, but we need to make a statement on D this… Read more »
Great take. I think the USC staff underestimated just how bad the defense would end up looking. It was like a horror show. So now, there’s this huge negative first impression that has been re-plastered all over USC. It didn’t have to be like this. Whatever we do against NEV and STAN, both horrible teams, will be discounted, I agree. And deservedly so. Both Grinch and LR totally flunked game 1 which was won by the spectacular plays of USC superstars. Hopefully, Grinch and LR finally got the message after more intense, and well-deserved criticism. I think our players on… Read more »
Exactly … if Grinch is that dumb to screw around in the 1st game after last year’s mess. He is hopeless. Dude should of sent a message with the new size and speed but instead laid another egg and embarrassed himself and the program again.The 2023 season will feel like the 2nd half vs Texas in 2005 title game. We better score a TD every time. In this case, goid thing we have LR and not shit for brains Kiffy.
No doubt LR and Grinch laid a giant egg with their latest Trojan D rollout. But it’s only game 1. Being staunch Trojan fans, we all hope Grinch/Riley figure it out before we have to watch a bunch more 3rd and 22 fiascos that had us all experiencing deja vu. But winning…and awesome talent like Caleb and Zach (who are Trojans because of LR) take care of everything for a while. Now the heat’s on Grinch as never before, I’m sad to say. I had hoped he had figured out a much better plan during the last eight months since… Read more »
Allen I would have preferred to jump on the bandwagon and just gloat over the Trojan offense. But like you said here, what was seen against SJS was what was seen last season, even with better & experienced players. It’s the coaching that I see isn’t utilizing the talent and ability of the players. LR has 2/3 more games to figure something out on “D” before the wolves really come after him. I salute you for telling it like it is on defense, that this being just the first game shouldn’t matter that much. But someone try telling Saban or… Read more »
The whole crappy USC D thing is just bizarre now. I could understand last year, with USC’s low talent level. But what we just saw against SJS is ridiculous. Lots of better players, yet exactly the same type of breakdowns. LR ended his post-game presser by specifically going out of his way to proclaim that his current staff was up to fixing the problem. I’m glad he backed himself into a corner again. He can only sit there for so long without changing some things. I’m still all in on LR and am so grateful he is at USC. But… Read more »
He as size and talent, perhaps stop over scheming on every play and let the players cover their responsibilities. I do see when they scheme they get caught going in the wrong direction all the time.
I am just not certain Grinch has the capacity to coach a quality D. That is what Joel Klatt believes (I know he has an anti-SC bias, but that does not prove him wrong on this). To be candid, based on what we saw Saturday, he appears to be correct. It is so unfair to this team (and it is special) to have this be the dominant narrative – not Caleb, not Zech. Branch; but the failings of the DC and a HC who does not give a whit about his D.
USC Defense Snap Counts Defensive Line Bear Alexander – 43 Solomon Byrd – 38 Jamil Muhammad – 37 Anthony Lucas – 37 Jack Sullivan – 31 Stanley Ta’ufo’ou – 30 Kyon Barrs – 29 Romello Height – 11 Elijah Hughes – 8 Braylan Shelby – 7 Kobe Pepe – 2 Korey Foreman – 2 Sinjun Astani – 2 Linebacker Mason Cobb – 61 Tackett Curtis – 50 Eric Gentry – 23 Raesjon Davis – 6 Defensive Back Calen Bullock – 70 (Only defensive player on the field for every defensive play counted by PFF) Jaylin Smith – 62 Domani Jackson… Read more »
Don’t know how much playing time Eric Gentry will get as this season progresses but rooting that somewhere sometime this season he makes some MASSIVE game changing play at least once this season …..FIGHT ON !!!!!
Gentry is so important to USC’s D.
He’s this big stork flying around out there, with amazing reach, athleticism, instincts, and attitude. He could make an All-America team or two if USC wins big and he stays healthy.
Totally agree. He is a huge difference maker. But, he is clearly limited by his ankle. Let’s hope that Tackett Curtis can figure it out very soon. This is a totally different D with Gentry at ILB.
So 30 different guys are listed on the depth chart (2 listed twice), 26 played at least 2 snaps. 2 who played, Astani and Pepe, aren’t even listed on the depth chart. D Benton, T Taleni, S Lee, C Pierce, P Brown, A Beavers, unless you are injured, if you don’t play this Saturday, you ain’t gonna play this season.
Hmmm >>>>> Caleb Williams Not Certain To Enter 2024 NFL Draft? ….. Always thought that sooner or later a JUNIOR College Football player would do this ( if you are the 1st pick in the draft wait and see which team has 1st pick and THEN decide if you put yourself in the draft )But ESPN’s Matt Miller has heard that if the team that would be most likely to select Williams is not a team that Williams wants to play for, the talented passer could forego the draft and try again in 2025.
I’m starting to get the impression that I underestimated the quick growth of Caleb’s celebrity.
Caleb’s biggest challenge may be currently dealing with all the business decisions and spider-like ramifications of his young, growing empire. He’s already everywhere.
Love those Dr. Pepper ads, of which he is such a big part.
Oh My! I’m watching the SDSU-Ohio game. The Aztecs have a QB they who a year ago was their safety! Yes he play QB in high school. Threw a couple passes in 3 games at Miss. St. That’s the best SDSU can do for a QB? Then while I’m watching that game I see Caleb Williams, reigning Heisman QB doing Wendy’s and Dr. Pepper ads! These two programs are in different worlds. Caleb do the smart thing. If you are the number one pick and nobody trades up big time for you, you are going to the worst team in… Read more »
I keep thinking about why should he go nfl when he is doing just fine in college. I know that first round pick is a lot of money, but he is making really good money and having the time of his life. Staying could be a serious consideration. Perhaps to go after that 3rd Heisman? Ha ha who knows.
We wish lol … CW is gone after the season so enjoy every minute of this season
College football preseason bowl projections for all 41 games, from Bahamas to the Playoff
Rose
Jan. 1 No. 2 Michigan No. 3 LSU Pasadena, Calif
Sugar
Jan. 1 No. 1 Georgia No. 4 USC New Orleans
Stewart Mandel and Scott Dochterman (The Athletic)
If USC is 12-0 they are going to be higher than #4 don’t ya think? Ya I know, IF.
SC gets a playoff game … it will be a top seed with that schedule
and the TVs will want them in the Rose Bowl
There are some excellent Trojan artists out there
So much sturm and drang over these 2023 Trojans already. Here’s a question.
1) Would you rather have seen USC roll out a much better, scheme-corrected defense right off the bat against SJS, but with Zach Branch not being a factor in the game?
2) Or, would you rather see the first game of the season you saw? Bad, but marginally improved D with what LR called “a higher ceiling”, along with the emergence of another wildly talented Trojan point producer and engaging star of enormous magnitude?
False dilemma. i would have rather seen a D that showed improvement over what we saw the end of last year. This one did not. In fact, the D debut against Rice was more impressive only because of turnovers. But, I did like them treating it as a scrimmage and I liked the significant player rotation. So, if given a choice, I would rather have seen player rotation AND improvement. Instead, we got player rotation and little if any improvement. The issue is the trajectory. Does the D get better as the season progresses, particularly through the first half which… Read more »
Choosing a completely 3rd alternative doesn’t come close to answering this simple question, but I’m sure 100% of us would like a combination of the best of both options.
No kidding just enjoy the ride. After a decade of rot under 3 of the worst coaches in all of football, LR is 12-3 and growing. Gomer couldn’t win 12 6th grade flag football games, Suck hasn’t won 12 games at Texas in 2 years and Kiffy crappy Ole Piss wreck has lost 12 in a row.
Expectations are so high now people are pissed after 28 pt wins lol. Ya, the D gave up too many big plays, it’s what Grinch does. It sucks but it’s better than the past decade.
So true. I’ll take your “enjoying the ride” approach any day of the week.
Grinch remains a liability, but the trajectory of the current Trojan program and its new 2023 stars suits me just fine. The defense eventually can and will be corrected. We just don’t know when.
But uber-phenoms like Zach Branch don’t just eventually come along to everyone, ever.
In fact, usually they come to places like USC (not that there are any), so I’ll take alternative 2 every day of the week, easy.
Aaron Rodgers cracks me up here. Good job on the denial.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/s5fCiXzRtJs?feature=share
I copied my post from another blog (because I’m lazy) so if you read it twice it’s my fault. People were all over Riley for his “illegal block” argument with refs after the onside kick Saturday night. It turns out he was right, but used the wrong terminology. I remember a weird onside kick that USC recovered where the ball bounced up and the USC player grabbed the ball in the air above the other team’s player. USC ball right? No because the referee ruled the player interfered with the chance to catch the kick. The ball was given to… Read more »
Good ‘catch’ on your part!
Another outstanding performance by the zebes of the pac 12
Yogi Roth — “(When at a USC practice) it felt like it did back in the day (of Pete Carroll), because guys are battlin’. I think there were times at USC where you knew despite how you practiced, you were gonna play. And that’s not the case anymore. And that’s gonna bode extremely well for this team as the season continues.”
Maybe that is why the staff played so many players. The kids realize their job it to make the team better, by making their team mates as good as they can be. And, there is enough talent on this team to make the kids need to compete. It is also a great sign for recruiting. It tells kids, if you are good enough, you will play. I expect Nevada will be another scrimmage like game, with Nevada being, by far, the weakest team on the schedule.
I had no idea that RUSH Jamil Muhammad (#10, 6-1, 250) from GA SO was so fast.
A lot of people are talking up ND’s big win over NAVY in Dublin, basically another home game for the Irish. I thought ND looked sharp, and their new 6th-year, 24-yr old QB with a thousand games under his belt and the movie star looks played very well and will be a challenge. But I just don’t see the great difficulty in beating a team that literally doesn’t know what a forward pass is. I did see about two NAVY lame ducks out there, but otherwise, you stack for the run against undermanned NAVY, and the game is already won.… Read more »
I was mad at the the 3rd and 22 and the inexcusable end of the first half. In the second half we smashed them. We also played everyone. We do make too many stupid decisions, but this team is significantly better than last year. Defense, especially the line, is way better. I fell strongly that we win the conference and will be in the mix for the playoff.
take away that stupid end of first half and we allow only 3 scores with one in garbage time up 35.
The 3rd and 22 wide open romper for an easy first down brought me to attention hardcore. All of a sudden, it hit me that this 2022 stuff was happening all over again. It was a very uneven game for USC, but like you, I thought they recovered nicely in the 2nd half. They get put down some for needing to rely on the electricity of Zach Branch, which I find ludicrous. When you have somebody like that, you ride him like the wind. Also, after watching parts of the game on replay, I’m more impressed with Mason Cobb. He… Read more »
I looked at the replay of the 3rd and 22 play. It was Cobb that ran up to the left into the crowd instead of going right to cover the gap. He should learn. The other bad defense, Max Williams and Domani Jackson were left out in open field to cover 3 guys. One or two defenders didn’t come over to help or bad communication. Hope they fix it.
It’s just a shock that USC didn’t play a perfect game last night even though they coasted in to win by 28 points. I’m amazed. 😂
As Rjj put it the coaches treated it as a scrimmage/practice game. Rotating everybody in, even 3 QBs, and different combos. We might expect the same with Nevada and then settle in for a Stanford beat down.
I’ve never seen so many substitutions and player switches in any game, let alone game 1. Personally, I enjoyed all the competition, the uncertainty, the confidence, and the enthusiasm I saw, as well as some incredible playmaking ability across the board. I’d say USC’s first win of the year was a resounding success. This team is still being formed in the new portal world, and I never make too many first-game judgments after 8 months without an opponent, especially when we win easily, and uncork a new superstar like Zach Branch, Caleb’s biggest competition now for the Heisman for those… Read more »
I would add, if you didn’t get on the field last night, you never will.
Also, the brutal near-the-end-zone sack Caleb took at the end of the half was simply ridiculous.
That was awful … do not need any more of those
Caleb was occasionally spectacular, but had a weird game. Almost like he was trying to play outside of himself. I can’t explain it, but he seemed nervous and tight to me. Unsure. He was holding the ball forever and fiddling around with his laterals too much. Still, four TD throws, including the near miracle, is nothing for him.
The guy’s a huge leader and figure now under a lot of pressure. Maybe #1 will take some focus off him which could be a good idea, for a while at least.
Bill Plaschke to Lincoln Riley
“Just fix the damn defense.”
Who Ever Needed Larry Scott Anyway? USC adds DirecTV as sponsor ahead of CFB season per Sports Business Journal DirecTV has reached a sponsorship agreement with USC beginning this fall that will include in-venue signage, in-game exposure and hospitality at home football games, along with support for all 21 of the school’s athletic programs. Legends Global Partnerships worked with USC Sports Properties, a division of Playfly Sports, in brokering the deal. Financial terms were not disclosed (DirecTV). ESPN’s Kyle Bonagura noted USC’s first game of the season last night against San Jose State “wasn’t available on DirecTV because it’s on the Pac-12 Network,” and… Read more »
So no games .. so who cares
Larry Scott should be in prison
I think Larry should be in jail too. Maximum security.
Better yet … no security
All over the internet, everywhere I’ve read today, people are frustrated with the lack of defense. Even giving SJS their due, there was no excuse for not stopping them more consistently. Reading different opinions I find that a consensus is the defense is over pursuing the ball. One person put it best as Grinch has new bricks and mortar but still has the blueprint upside down. Some are saying Riley isn’t a head coach he’s an high priced offensive coordinator (who is auditioning for an NFL gig (?)) Anyway I’m happy with the win, not optimistic about the season with… Read more »
Rialto — So what’s your reg season W/L prediction for USC?
I think I’m with the two loss crowd. Maybe Oregon and one trap game. But I’ll begin each game expecting to win.
ORE worries me too.
I think USC’s good enough to not get “trapped,” but while I’ve predicted 12 reg season wins, I realize that may be more hope than anything. But I made my prediction before Zach Branch exploded, so I see no reason not to stick with it.
I expect Caleb to settle down and stop fiddling around with too many laterals and funny stuff. At least I hope he does that and gets back to heading north/south.
Nobody is talking about three terrific RBs who showed up for USC last night.
MarShawn Lloyd, Austin Jones and true frosh Quinten Joyner can all carry the rock.
We’ve got a strong running game, even though the USC coaches are moving around our OLs like they’re playing musical chairs.
USC’s play breakdown last night was something totally balanced like 45 passes and 44 runs. Nobody’s, not even the good teams, gonna be able to defend us when we get rolling, especially with Zach Branch hovering around. JMHO.
Wow, Branch has immediate impact, Riley gonna have a tough job keeping all this offensive talent happy! I was wondering how long it was before we heard Rice name. Defense needs work, teams no how to attack them and they haven’t adapted, 5 defensive holding penalties, Hopefully just 1st game rust, no disrespect to SJSU but over 300 yards and 28 points is to much to give up.
True. USC’s gonna have to worry about losing some good players because they can’t get on the field enough. There’s always something.
No defensive forced turnovers, the DBs still are having difficulty keeping coverage on WRs while the front line chases after a mobile QB. Was the SJS O- line really that good? Playing these non-league non- power 5-teams should show the game is well under control by the end of the first quarter. There was nervous tension during part of the 3rd quarter with a 35-28 on the scoreboard. I hope the D shows it can take control of a game better than this when playing Nevada?
Jamaica, Nevada is awful, much worse than SJS. It will not be much of a test. But, I agree with you. Grinch’s D did not improve measurably from the disaster we saw in the second half of 2022. I saw one coverage on a wheel route where our D forgot to cover the RB. The kid was open by 20 yards – luckily the SJS QB missed the read. So far, most Trojan fans want Grinch gone. He can get away with playing lousy D against a team like SJS, but not against 5 of the last 6 on the… Read more »
It was never 35-28. It was 42-21 at the end of the third and 56-21 before they scored a garbage time TD.
No. 6 USC routs San Jose State behind explosive plays
Definitely Worth Another Look — 8 mins
Zechariah is simply an amazing talent. Great for both SC and for Zechariah. SC is very fortunate to have him. And, he is fortunate to play for SC – great staff, special 2023 team (which he enhances), great history (he is now being compared to the performances of all time greats like Bush), and great stage. I can hardly wait to see this kid develop and perform at ND, against Utah, at Oregon, etc.
It was a great night of Trojan football RJJ, period. You were right. USC’s D under the Grinch hasn’t improved nearly as much as I was banking on. But there’s no doubt these Trojan defenders make more plays and are a much tougher go for offenses. We can really stone people now. So Grinch has to live with the fact most still think he should get canned. That defensive coverage he called at the end of the first half allowing that score was beyond abominable. But it was a perfect throw and pass. Sometimes, the other team deserves the credit.… Read more »
One of the losses in moving from Monarch Beach to Frisco – the summer weather sucks. I have tried, with no success, to get Mrs. TrojanRJJ to take extensive vacations to So.Cal.during the summer. And remember, Z. Branch will not do – there are two of them on the team – Zion and Zechariah.
Ya, but we all know who the real Z is. No confusion there.
Good day from a very hot Frisco TX (weather has been over 105 now for the last two weeks, Friday it hit 113). I cannot remember a game that SC won by 28 with no D turnovers, that felt like this one. I had a very strange feeling after this one. I felt very much like SC was in a close game that it was lucky to win. But, yet, look at the score. Last year, SC won its opener big against Rice due primarily to turnovers (I think we got 3 pick sixes if I recall correctly). This opener… Read more »
Good takes Rjj. It was interesting the way they were rotating guys in at every position even QB at the end. It seemed like when they wanted to turn it up they went with their known go to guys. It looks like the staff is looking to see who can go in a real game and who needs work. It shows a lot of confidence in your talent level. You are right I have never seen that approach before. Usually you bring out the big guns, run up the score, then bring in the backups. I feel like when they… Read more »
GT, Nice to hear from you. As you commented, I have never seen a scrimmage approach to a real game before. LR had clearly at the end of the game decided who are his #1s on D, as he put them in when SJS recovered the onside kick. I did notice a huge drop off in the D when SJS scored their last TD on what was clearly the third team. What I did not add was Rayleek Brown’s time at SC is clearly now at an end. He is nowhere near the RB the true frosh #21 is (Quinter… Read more »