Zachariah Branch could end up being the hero that USC needed on Saturday against Utah.

After USC was held to a field goal with time ticking down in the 4th quarter, the Trojans were counting on their defense to get a stop. They did just that, forcing a 3 and out and a punt.

Branch capitalized on the situation.

He took the punt 61 yards, carving through the Utes’ defense and setting USC up in the red zone, and Caleb Williams ran it in for a touchdown on the next play. The score put USC up 32-31 with less than 2 minutes to go.

 

USC trailed by 14 points late in the third quarter. A crucial pick-six from Calen Bullock to begin the fourth flipped momentum and gave the Trojans new life.

With the offense sputtering, both the defense and special teams picked up USC.