The nation’s most electric returner looked up to the sky as a second-quarter Wisconsin punt came hurtling in his direction. Zachariah Branch had fielded so many kicks just like it. But as this one drew closer and a decision drew near, for just a split-second the USC sophomore hesitated.
It was just long enough for disaster to strike. The ball, which careened off Branch’s outstretched arms, was corralled by Wisconsin. And with it, any hope of a smooth, bounce-back spot for USC in its Big Ten home opener bounced away.
What USC got instead was a confusing afternoon the Trojans and their coach would probably prefer to move past quickly, one filled with an equal mix of frustrating missteps, sloppy execution and second-half resolve.