USC Football: Zachariah Branch Availability in Doubt for Notre Dame Game

This is not good

USC Trojans star freshman phenom Zachariah Branch has not played in the last two games, and there is doubt he will suit up in their biggest game to date. 

Freshman USC receiver Zachariah Branch, who is dealing w/ an injury, has yet to be a full participant at practice this week.

Lincoln Riley said he’s still progressing and better off than he was last week. But my guess would be Branch is a long shot to play at Notre Dame.

— Ryan Kartje (@Ryan_Kartje) October 12, 2023

The electrifying freshman has missed the last two games due to an undisclosed injury, and his presence has been missed dearly. 

The offense isn't running the same down the stretch, nor are special teams. Branch has made a name for himself on special teams, specifically punt returns, and that part of USC's game is nonexistent without him. 

Through four games, Branch has collected 13 receptions for 178 yards, two touchdowns, and countless highlights in his short amount of time. 

His chances of suiting up in South Bend look bleak, and if that's the case, the Trojans will be at a significant disadvantage. Still, they are a talented bunch, and the others will need to step up to steal one on the road against a hungry, Fighting Irish team looking to redeem themselves after last week's upset loss. 

We'll see how the Trojans respond.