As USC gears up to face defending national champion Michigan, the team has entered a crucial stage of preparation. Tuesday’s practice set the tone for what will be USC’s first Big Ten conference game, a high-stakes matchup against a team still loaded with NFL-level talent.
For sophomore wide receiver Zachariah Branch, the game presents both an exciting opportunity and a challenge, as he prepares to face one of the top secondaries in college football.
Branch, who has been a standout for the Trojans this season, is no stranger to high-pressure environments, thriving so far in USC’s fast-paced offense.
When asked about Michigan, he was measured in his response but clearly eager to take the field.
“They’re a pretty great team, man,” Branch said with a grin after practice. “Just excited to go out there and play in that atmosphere.”
Michigan’s defense, anchored by junior cornerback Will Johnson, has been tough to crack, but Branch does not seem fazed at the challenge.
“Oh yeah, he’s a pretty good player.,” Branch said. “Seen it on film, and like I said, just excited to go out there and play in that atmosphere.”
Facing off against Johnson, projected to be a first-round NFL Draft pick, Branch knows what’s at stake. Johnson’s reputation as a lockdown corner has earned him national recognition, and Michigan’s defense as a whole remains one of the best in the country.
Branch, though, has his sights set on keeping matters in perspective.
“Just treat it like every other game,” Branch said, when asked how he plans to handle playing in front of over 100,000 fans at Michigan’s infamous Big House. " You can’t look at it like it’s too big or too little of a game. Everyone’s the same, and we just need to have that mentality. It’s a great atmosphere, but we’ll prepare and focus on ourselves and our scheme, then go out and execute.”
It is evident that Branch’s versatility and speed are difficult to compete with, making him a major component of USC’s offense. As such, redshirt junior quarterback Miller Moss emphasized the role the young receiver will play in the matchup against Michigan, especially given the Wolverines’ strong defense.
“Zach’s an extremely hard worker,” Miller said. “Obviously, there was an effort in running track to get faster. I don’t know how much faster he can really get before he’s running in the Olympics or whatever. But no, I mean, he’s a phenomenal kid that works really hard and continues to improve in all facets of his game.”
Additionally head coach Lincoln Riley also touched on the importance of facing a team like Michigan early in the season, particularly one with the defensive pedigree and experience of the Wolverines.
“They have NFL players all over the place, and a lot of guys were part of winning a national championship last year. A lot of good players, a lot of good coaches at that place,” Riley said. “It’s a good football team that we have a lot of respect for, and to have anything less would be a mistake on our part.”
With Michigan’s new defensive coordinator Wink Martindale, formerly of the NFL’s New York Giants, USC’s offense has also been working overtime to prepare for some potentially tricky defensive schemes.
“He’s a really good coach, obviously. A ton of success in the NFL,” Riley said. “He’s been a pioneer defensively in that league, and certainly for some of the things they do schematically. He’s an elite coordinator, and the way they’re playing right now, you can see his impact on their defense.”
As for Branch, his speed and playmaking ability will be key to unlocking Michigan’s defense, but he’s ready to handle the pressure.
“We just need to stick to our game plan,” Branch said. “Do what we do best and execute. At the end of the day, that’s what it comes down to.”
With the showdown against Michigan only days away, all eyes are on USC, particularly Zachariah Branch, as the Trojans aim to take down last year’s national champions and make a statement in their new conference.