Tag: usc trojans football

USC’s Eddie Czaplicki makes his mark as nation’s top-ranked punter

Eddie Czaplicki is doing his best for USC this season, but even he would like it if the offense started scoring more than 30 points in Big Ten games.

USC transfer Eddie Czaplicki has quickly established himself as one of the top punters in the nation since coming over from Arizona State. Czaplicki is currently ranked No. 1 in the country with an average of 52.1 yards on his 11 punts this season.

Czaplicki has been a crucial part of USC’s success this season, and he was particularly impressive in the team’s first Big Ten game against Michigan on Saturday, Sept. 21. He recorded a career-high average of 53.1 yards on 7 punts with a long of 60 yards, which is a season-best.

Czaplicki play helped to mitigate a slow start and inconsistent play from the offense in Ann Arbor last Saturday by flipping the field against Michigan. Five of his seven punts were over 50 yards (60 yards, 59 yards, 56 yards, 50 yards, and 57 yards). His ability to consistently boom the ball deep into Michigan territory gave the Trojans excellent field position and helped them navigate a tough first half of the game.

Czaplicki’s performance this season is a continuation of his strong play in 2023, when he averaged 43.3 yards per punt with a long of 57 yards. He has shown tremendous consistency throughout his career, and he is now one of the most reliable punters in the nation.

He is a key part of the Trojans’ special teams unit, and he has played a significant role in their success this season.

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USC, Wisconsin ready for historic Big Ten matchup in Los Angeles

Wisconsin and USC met in Southern California over 60 years ago in a classic Rose Bowl. Now the two schools unite in the Trojans’ Big Ten home opener.

This weekend’s game between USC and Wisconsin is a sellout. The two storied programs are preparing for their first meeting in nine years. The last time these teams faced off was in the 2015 Holiday Bowl, with USC emerging victorious.

Wisconsin enters the game with a 2-1 record, led by second-year head coach Luke Fickell (9-7 record with the Badgers). The Badgers are coming off an idle week, having lost their previous game to then-No. 4 Alabama by a score of 42-10.  The Badgers were outgained by the Crimson Tide, 407 yards to 290.

Wisconsin’s offense is led by sixth-year running back Chez Mellusi, who has rushed for 213 yards and three touchdowns on 46 carries this season. Wide receiver Will Pauling is another key weapon for the Badgers, having recorded 19 receptions for 191 yards and a touchdown.

On the defensive side of the ball, safety Hunter Wohler leads the way with 17 tackles and two pass breakups.

USC, meanwhile, is 2-1 on the season and ranked No. 16 in the US LBM Coaches Poll. The Trojans are led by quarterback Miller Moss, who has thrown for 890 yards and 5 touchdowns with just one interception. Running back Woody Marks has also been a standout for USC, rushing for 271 yards and 3 touchdowns on 42 carries (6.5 yards per carry).

The Trojans’ defense is led by linebacker Eric Gentry, who has recorded 26 tackles (18 solo), 2 sacks, 6.5 tackles for loss, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery this season.

This inaugural Big Ten home opener for the Trojans is sure to be a memorable one, as two of college football’s most storied programs clash in a sold-out Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The most famous game between these two teams was played in Southern California, over at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. USC beat Wisconsin in the 1963 Rose Bowl, 42-37, to win John McKay’s first national title at USC.

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USC will face former Trojan C.J. Williams when Men of Troy play Wisconsin

CJ Williams has not been playing his best football since transferring from USC to Wisconsin. The Trojans hope that doesn’t change on Saturday.

Locked On Badgers podcast host Ryan Harings joined us on Trojan Conquest Live at The Voice of College Football. Trojans Wire asked him about the impact of wide receiver C.J. Williams, a former USC Trojan who transferred to Wisconsin in January of last year. Williams is one of the many familiar faces involved in this Saturday’s USC-Wisconsin game. He is one of several figures with connections to both schools.

Williams was the No. 62 player in the nation and the No. 7 wide receiver according the 247Sports ranking when he came out of Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, CA.

“He was an incredibly hyped get for Wisconsin,” Harings told us on our USC-Wisconsin preview show. “That first year portal guy for Luke Fickell.  He’s had troubles catching the ball, unfortunately.  He’s already had a drop this year, that’s kind of kept him off the field.  He’s behind Bryson Green in that boundary spot.  He’s a guy that Wisconsin had high hopes for.  It’s just physically, he’s had trouble separating.  I think the physicality in the Big Ten is a little different. Year 1 was a bit of an adjustment for him, and Year 2, he’s had a bit of trouble catching the ball unfortunately.”

USC’s looks to continue where it left off after a dominant second half in which the Trojans’ defense held the Michigan Wolverines to zero first downs until their last drive of the game. A strong effort from the USC defense would spoil Williams’ homecoming on Saturday.

https://www.youtube.com/live/7redR0k47bk?si=6QBZmGhrlYW4npZp&t=1838

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It’s a small world when USC faces Wisconsin

Alex Grinch isn’t the only person with connections to both teams in this Wisconsin versus USC game.

When the USC Trojans take on the Wisconsin Badgers this weekend, it will be a matchup of two teams with a number of connections.

USC has one player from the state of Wisconsin on its roster, defensive tackle Gavin Meyer. Wisconsin, meanwhile, has two players from the state of California: wide receiver C.J. Williams and kicker Gianni Smith.

The two teams also have several coaching connections. Wisconsin co-defensive coordinator / safeties coach Alex Grinch spent the 2022 and 2023 seasons as USC’s defensive coordinator. Grinch and USC head football coach Lincoln Riley also coached together at Oklahoma from 2019-21. Grinch and USC offensive coordinator / offensive line coach Josh Henson coached together at Missouri from 2012-14.

In addition, Wisconsin’s senior advisor to head coach Luke Fickell is Jack Del Rio, who was a consensus All-America linebacker at USC in 1984. Del Rio played in the 1982 Fiesta Bowl and 1985 Rose Bowl and was inducted into the USC Athletic Hall of Fame in 2015.

Wisconsin linebacker Tackett Curtis played at USC in 2023, making eight starts and recording 40 tackles. Wisconsin wide receiver CJ Williams also played at USC in 2022, catching four passes for 34 yards.

These connections add an extra layer of intrigue to this weekend’s matchup. With so many familiar faces on both sides, it’s sure to be an intense and competitive game.

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USC’s starting tight end injury not as significant as feared

Lake McRee should be back for USC later this season, a distinct source of relief for the Trojans and Lincoln Riley.

Lincoln Riley shared the good news that Lake McRee, USC’s receptions leader who is coming off a knee injury which required surgery in the offseason, will be back later in 2024.

Fans and media alike feared the worst for McRee when he was upended with a helmet to the knee during a screen play against Michigan on Saturday in Ann Arbor.

During his weekly radio show, Trojans Live, explained, “Lake’s a great player you know you know hate to not have him here right away but we’ll get him back soon and in the meantime those guys, I’ve have full confidence in their ability to go in and execute and play well.”

The young guys he refers to is the elite young tight end room that Zach Hanson has collected: Cade Eldridge, Walker Lyons,Joey Olson and Walter Mathews.  USC’s other veteran tight end, Carson Tabaracci is also out with an injury suffered in the offseason and he isn’t expected to return any time soon.

Eldridge has seen the field consistently with Riley often using two tight end sets on offense.  Lyons has also seen limited action and will likely be featured with Eldridge.

This will be a test for Hanson and the Trojans who have a lot of young, talented tight ends, but none with the experience and all-around talent that McRee possesses.

USC plays Wisconsin next on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. Pacific time in Los Angeles.

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How to buy USC football vs Michigan Wolverines tickets

Want to watch the Michigan Wolverines vs. USC Trojans in person on Saturday, Sept. 21? Tickets still remain for as little as $75.

The USC Trojans open up their 2024 Big Ten schedule at the Big House this weekend against the Michigan Wolverines. If you want to see this heavyweight battle in person, keep reading.

The Trojans are 2-0 with a win against the LSU Tigers in Death Valley to open the schedule along with a thrashing of the Utah State Aggies in their home opener; USC was off on a bye last weekend. USC already has one great road win, but another test awaits this weekend.

Michigan is the defending national champion but features a new head coach on the sidelines with Sherrone Moore manning the helm. Michigan is 2-1 so far with its loss coming in Week 2 at the hands of the Texas Longhorns.

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The Trojans will matchup with the Wolverines in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 21 at 3:30 p.m. ET, and limited tickets remain.

How to buy USC Trojans football vs Michigan Wolverines tickets

Saturday’s matchup features two top-20 teams in the US LBM Coaches Poll, with the Trojans coming in at No. 12 and the Wolverines at No. 17 in the most recent update. This is about as good as it gets for collegiate gridiron action.

At the time of publication, the cheapest available tickets for the USC at Michigan game are $75.

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How to buy Michigan football vs. USC Trojans tickets

Want to watch the Michigan Wolverines vs. USC Trojans in person on Saturday, Sept. 21? Tickets still remain for as little as $75.

No rest for the weary as the Michigan Wolverines have yet another tough battle ahead this weekend.

Michigan opens its 2024 Big Ten schedule at the Big House against the USC Trojans this weekend and if you want to see this clash of two titanic college football programs in person, we’ve got you covered.

The Wolverines are the defending national champions but feature a new head coach on the sidelines with Sherrone Moore manning the helm. Michigan is 2-1 so far with its loss coming in Week 2 at the hands of the Texas Longhorns.

The Trojans are 2-0 with a win against the LSU Tigers in Death Valley to open the schedule along with a thrashing of the Utah State Aggies in their home opener; USC was off on a bye last weekend.

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Limited tickets remain as the Wolverines will host the USC Trojans on Saturday, Sept. 21 at 3:30 p.m. ET.

How to buy Michigan vs USC college football tickets

Saturday’s matchup features two top-20 teams in the US LBM Coaches Poll, with the Trojans coming in at No. 12 and the Wolverines at No. 17 in the most recent update. This is about as good as it gets for collegiate gridiron action.

At the time of publication, the cheapest available tickets for Michigan vs USC are $75.

[afflinkbutton text=”Shop Michigan Wolverines vs. USC Trojans tickets” link=”https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/ngdgovb”]

How to buy Michigan Wolverines vs. USC Trojans college football tickets

Want to watch the Michigan Wolverines vs. USC Trojans in person on Saturday, Sept. 21? Tickets still remain for as little as $75.

The Michigan Wolverines and USC Trojans open up their 2024 Big Ten schedule in the Big House this weekend, and if you want to see this clash of two titanic college football programs in person, we have what you need to know.

The Wolverines are the defending national champions but feature a new head coach on the sidelines with Sherrone Moore manning the helm. Michigan is 2-1 so far with its loss coming in Week 2 at the hands of the Texas Longhorns.

The Trojans are 2-0 with a win against the LSU Tigers in Death Valley to open the schedule along with a thrashing of the Utah State Aggies in their home opener; USC was off on a bye last weekend.

The Michigan Wolverines will host the USC Trojans on Saturday, Sept. 21 at 3:30 p.m. ET, and limited tickets remain.

[afflinkbutton text=”Shop Michigan Wolverines vs. USC Trojans tickets” link=”https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/ngdgovb”]

How to buy Michigan Wolverines vs USC Trojans football tickets

Saturday’s matchup features two top-20 teams in the US LBM Coaches Poll, with the Trojans coming in at No. 12 and the Wolverines at No. 17 in the most recent update. This is about as good as it gets for collegiate gridiron action.

At the time of publication, the cheapest available tickets for the Michigan Wolverines vs USC Trojans are $75.

[afflinkbutton text=”Shop Michigan Wolverines vs. USC Trojans tickets” link=”https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/ngdgovb”]

USC running backs share the wealth, a great sign early in 2024 season

The great thing about the use of the USC running backs early in the 2024 season is that Lincoln Riley wants to rotate guys and keep them fresh. That’s smart.

The USC Trojans made a commitment to getting bigger in 2024. One of the reasons for this was to run the ball with consistency. The running backs stood to benefit from this change in philosophy, and we saw evidence of this in the physical performance against Utah State. USC’s 249 yards versus the Aggies represented the most on the ground by the Trojans since November of 2018 against the Oregon State Beavers. Woody Marks of Atlanta transferred to USC in the offseason from Mississippi State, where he was the leading receiver in Bulldog history. Marks is joined by three other running backs who all touched the rock against Utah State. Quinten Joyner got several carries against Utah State and looked like a very good RB2 behind Marks. Bryan Jackson got a little bit of work in mop-up time versus Utah State. A’Marion Peterson got some carries and was able to score a great second-effort touchdown, which excited all his USC teammates.

There’s a lot to like about these USC running backs. I caught them in action during Utah State. Get a look at these guys — they’re good, and if the wealth continues to be spread around, these running backs will be fresh for the heart of the Big Ten season in mid-October and into November:

Photos: USC’s Zachariah Branch does his best Spiderman pose during hurdle against Utah State

Trojans Wire’s Tim Prangley covered the USC-Utah State game from the sidelines on Saturday. Seeing Zachariah Branch do his thing is an electric experience.

USC’s first home game of the season was special with the defense getting a lot of the limelight for a brilliant shut out, but there were athletes on both sides of the ball who shined. We released a a bunch of images I captured from the game against Utah State in a recent Trojans Wire exclusive gallery.  Athletes do special things and with photography that second is frozen in time — sometimes they put on quite a show.  That’s Zachariah Branch, one of those players who — when he gets the ball — creates that special feeling of expectation and possibility in the stadium other athletes don’t get. Fans know something memorable can happen each time Branch gets the ball and doesn’t fair-catch the ball on a kick return.

We know Zachariah Branch is really fast, and we know he is shifty and elusive, but he is also a high leaper in short-distance situations. It’s not just a matter of speed or stride. He can manipulate, twist, elevate, crouch, and otherwise change his body angle at a moment’s notice in traffic to weave through a pile of bodies on his way to the end zone, or at least a first down. Check out some of the Zachariah Branch defying the laws of physics during the game and a series of shots showing off a run that ends with a hurdle… and a few from the LSU game as well: