Caleb Williams connects with Zachariah Branch for 22-yard TD to open scoring vs. Nevada
The Zachariah Branch show continues for USC as the freshman wideout and special teams weapon opened up the scoring for the Trojans on Saturday against Nevada. And it came with an assist from a deft Caleb Williams throw into the back of the end zone.
On the opening drive fo the game for USC, the Trojans got to the edge of the red zone. Branch lined up to the offensive left and and ran a simple corner route.
But a simple corner route for Branch was enough to snap off his defender and leave a comfortable window for Williams to drop a throw into.
Nevada quickly responded, leveling the score at 7-7 before USC marched back and retook the lead with a MarShawn Lloyd rushing score.
Branch is already carving out a major role for the Trojans both on special teams and as a receiver. He accounted for 232 total yards from scrimmage in the season opener for USC in Week 0 and scored a touchdown on a kick return and via a reception. Now he’s up to three scores in less than five quarters of collegiate action.
It’s been a big week for Branch since he Week 0 explosion
The USC freshman put together a breakout performance against San Jose State, headlined by a 96-yard kick return back for a touchdown to help lead the offense.
After the game, Branch heard from plenty of people about his performance. But one message stood out above the rest.
“I look up to Odell Beckham. He actually reached out to me,” Branch said. “That was pretty cool for me. I was, like, mind blown about that one.”
Branch had a huge day to help USC past San Jose State in the 56-28 victory to open the 2023 season. In addition to his kick return, he added four receptions for 58 yards and a touchdown. It was quite the debut for the former Five Star Plus+ recruit.
But hearing from Beckham made it even more special for Branch — especially considering he tried to get in touch with him before he arrived on campus.
“[Beckham] just said just keep it up, keep going,” Branch said. “I was like, it’s crazy he actually responded because I had DM’d him before, like, a couple months ago. Way before. I was like, I don’t think he’s going to respond. But it was actually pretty cool for him to show that love.”