The USC Trojans head into Las Vegas for their game against the LSU Tigers as 4-point underdogs. Most are predicting this to be a close high-scoring affair from the first to the final whistle. Many want to see which new starting quarterback and wide receivers will fill the big shoes of their predecessors and which defenses prove to have improved the most since last year.
But this game will come down to the unsung heroes of American football; special teamers. And that is where the USC Trojans have a distinct edge over LSU.
USC Trojans’ Key Special Teamers
Zachariah Branch
Last season, Zachariah Branch led all high-volume punt returners in average yards per return. And it wasn’t even close. Infamous speed demon Xavier Worth, who posted a record-breaking 4.21 40-yard time, came in second place to Branch’s 20.4 with just 17 yards per return. Branch was also a superb kick returner as well. He scored a touchdown as a kick and a punt returner last season.
Last season, LSU’s punt returners mustered barely half of what Branch posted.
Of course, for the USC Trojans to take advantage of this imbalance, they will need to create stops against what should be a formidable offense.
Michael Lantz
USC held a camp competition this summer and Georgia Southern transfer Michael Lantz beat out Denis Lynch.
Last season, Lantz was perfect on his extra point attempts, 45 for 45. He was also 17 of 18 from 20 yards to 39 yards.
From beyond that, his performance was suspect. He was 6 of 9 from 40-49 and 0 of 1 from beyond 50.
In a game where every point on the scoreboard will count, Lantz will need to post a clean scoresheet.
Last season was Lantz’s first as a full-time starting kicker, he started his career with Minnesota and having played in the Sun Belt Conference, this will be the biggest stage he has played in, therefore the most pressure he’s been under.
