USC football: 3 bold predictions vs. San Jose State in Week 0

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Apr 15, 2023; Los Angeles, CA, USA; USC Trojans wide receiver Zachariah Branch (1) catches a pass against defensive back Jaylin Smith (19) during the Spring Game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Zachariah Branch will produce 150+ all-purpose yards

Speaking of Zachariah Branch, I fully expect the true freshman wideout to take the college level by storm, especially in Lincoln Riley’s high-paced, spread offensive scheme.

Branch, who ranked No. 4 overall and No. 1 at his position in the 2023 class rankings by 247Sports Composite, has bonafide Olympic-caliber speed. As such, Branch will be utilized in a myriad of ways against San Jose State. Without question, Zachariah will be a lethal threat on kick and punt returns, and I’m sure Riley will call some end-arounds and the like to simply get the ball into the hands of this Bishop Gorman grad.

Meanwhile, at wideout, Branch will be lined up on the flanks for deep throws, as well as in the slot for the potential to rack up plenty of yards after the catch.

Therefore, I’m predicting that Branch, the consensus preseason Freshman All-American, will reach the 150-plus all-purpose yardage mark in his collegiate debut.

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