As we headed closer to the playoff in a whirlwind week 6 of college football, things are getting beyond routine. The current trend of the season is exposing the strength of the overlooked in all forms. Fan-favorite Alabama numbed the CFB, receiving a rub from underdog Vanderbilt just a week after they came out victorious, handling the hard threat of the chart-topper Bulldogs.

Elsewhere on the domain, Minnesota launched an unexpected upset to the game’s favorite, USC. The reasons might be varied. But in a recent expert analysis, Mark Kulkin pinpointed the real reason behind another frustrating downfall of the Trojans.

Is Zachariah Branch behind the nasty USC downturn? Explained

You might argue that USC’s offense isn’t playoff-worthy, showcasing a lot of loopholes in the entire hour. A missed field goal, a fumble, two interceptions, and the bottom line of 17 points clearly depicted that the team failed to seize opportunities at every step, which is a must for a Big 10 battle. But Locked On USC host, Mark Kulkin has a more specific point rather than a person to put the blame on. ”All Zachariah Branch does when the ball is snapped he stands there at the line he doesn’t take a step forward he doesn’t take a step back he doesn’t Juke maybe like he’s gonna go inside or go outside he just turns to look for the ball well the defender seeing that same key he’s getting lit up to time the second he touches the ball no game.” The veteran insider put the standout Wide Receiver on fire.

”The play call is a dead giveaway to the defender who just has to go right at him. It’s an easy read, so I’m gonna say, it was 50/50 execution terrible,” Kulkin continued bashing the 20-year-old for not being in his usual beast energy. While it can also be a byproduct of Riley’s inability to use him properly in times of need, the veteran head coach was whom the star WR looked to while signing a deal with the Trojans.

However, it’s never only Branch who makes the win a far-fetched reality at Huntington Bank stadium for the Trojans whatsoever.

Digging deeper into the tragic USC loss and Lincoln Riley’s headspace

An unfathomable potential wasn’t enough on an October night to get things done for the Trojans. Despite USC letting go of chances back-to-back, getting three turnovers out of four trips, they didn’t commit their suicide move unless and until a strip interception by Miller Moss resulted in a score-equalizing Minnesota touchdown last minute.

After getting hold of the ball back, the opponent’s linebacker punted it to the Trojans. The wasted opportunity caused them the game. But the coach wasn’t ready to acknowledge any of such detrimental moves. ‘‘I thought our guys played a really good game up front, we gave up a couple of pressures in untimely moments, but we took some steps,” said Riley.

With the Trojans most probably standing just one loss away from the playoff elimination, the coach seems to be unfazed. When a question popped up inquiring if he looks to reconsider any of his approaches or decisions after the massive Minnesota failure, the veteran noted, ‘Nothing off the top of my head.’ A game against Penn State is now the only sliver of hope left for the No. 11 Trojans.

Do you think Riley failed to capitalize on Zachariah Branch’s talent in the last game? Let us know in the comments.