USC Football: Expert Finds Silver Linings In Modest Zachariah Branch Game

The USC Trojans offense has picked up right where they left things off last season. They remain one of the country's most explosive units, but they added some new pieces into the mix.

One of the most significant additions to the team has been freshman wide receiver Zachariah Branch. He has burst onto the scene early in his career, and it has helped this offense get even scarier.

Branch has lightning-quick speed, and he uses it in a multitude of different ways. He is a good receiver but an even better punt returner. It has been great to see him thriving so far and affecting the game in different ways. As a true freshman, that is all you can ask from a player.

Against Arizona State this last weekend, Branch caught four passes for 68 yards. He also had one rush for 17 yards as well. It was a smaller production from Branch, but he still found ways to be effective for this team.

Matt Zemek of Trojans Wire found some silver linings in the relatively quiet game from Branch this past weekend against Arizona State. They gave the young offensive weapon a "B-"grade for the performance.

“No big kick returns for Branch limit his grade, but the big 3rd and 20 catch on the first drive was important for his development as a receiver. The sooner Branch develops as a receiver, the more potential this offense gains.”

Per Matt Zemek of Trojans Wire

If Branch can figure things out later this season, the Trojans offense could be one of the best ever. They are already high-powered, and if he can become a true receiving threat, the rest of the country will need to watch out.

Teams may start not kicking the ball to Branch, so he will need to work on his receiving skills to stay in the mix. The freshman has all the talent in the world and needs to ensure he hones in on it going forward.

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