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Zachariah Branch out for USC against Colorado

Erik-McKinneyby: Erik McKinney09/30/23ErikTMcKinney
Zachariah Branch
USC wide receiver and return specialist Zachariah Branch takes a punt back for a touchdown against the Stanford Cardinal (acscottphotography/WeAreSC)

The USC Trojans will be without true freshman wide receiver Zachariah Branch when they take the field against the Colorado Buffaloes. Branch is not suited up for the game. He did participate in early warmups with the receivers, but was not in uniform when the team came out for full warmups.

Branch has been a playmaker on offense and special teams for USC through the first four games of his college career. He is the only player in college football this season with touchdowns via reception, kick return and punt return. Branch leads the Trojans with 13 receptions. He’s turned those into 178 receiving yards yards and two touchdowns through four games. Branch also has three rushing attempts for 31 yards. And he’s been one of the nation’s best returners. Branch has 158 punt return yards and a touchdown on seven returns. USC as a team had just 93 punt return yards last season.

Branch also served as USC’s primary kick returner, with six returns there for for 171 yards and a score.

Branch has been a consistent starter on offense for USC this season, but the Trojans have experienced players at slot receiver in Tahj Washington and Mario Williams. True freshman Makai Lemon could step into the rotation today. But the Trojans aren’t lacking for receiving options. Outside receivers Brenden Rice, Dorian Singer, Michael Jackson III and Kyron Hudson have all been called upon this season. Last week against Arizona State, Brach had one run for 17 yards to go with four receptions for 68 yards.

Branch makes it three high-profile players who won’t suit up for this one. Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter and safety Shilo Sanders won’t be available for the Buffaloes. Hunter was injured after taking a hard hit against Colorado State two weeks ago. Sanders said this week he suffered a kidney injury during the game against Oregon last weekend. 

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Garry Paskwietz (1966-2019)

Garry Paskwietz was a pioneer in bringing team-specific sports coverage to the internet. He founded WeAreSC in 1998 and was an Emmy winner for his work with Fox Sports West. Always generous with his time, knowledge, and compassion, he touched the lives of countless USC and high school football fans.

Garry Paskwietz