UGA Football Star Continues Dominant Season During Win Over Florida
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ATHENS - Where would the Georgia Bulldogs be without Zachariah Branch?
The USC transfer has been a major weapon and a consistent go-to option for Georgia Bulldog quarterback Gunner Stockton all season long and continued his massive season with a dominant performance against Florida.
The speedy, playmaking receiver hauled in a career-high 10 catches for 112 yards during Georgia’s 24-20 win over the Gators. It was his first 100-yard game as a Bulldog and second of his career.
Branch also caught three passes during Georgia’s big 4th quarter. He caught a big 18-yard pass on 3rd and 8 on their second 4th quarter drive before hauling in a 13-yard pass right before Bowens’ big score to give Georgia the lead.
When Stockton needed to make a play, he looked Branch’s way. Of course, this has been happing all year long.
Against the Rebels, two of Branch’s eight receptions came in the 4th quarter and both led to a first-down. He ended that game with 71 yards, catching every pass that came his way.
Against Auburn, five of Branch’s nine receptions came in the 4th quarter. Once again, when the offense needed a spark or needed to move the chains, the ball came Branch’s way.
He’s more than a tack guy. He’s not just one of the fastest receivers in college football, but he’s quickly becoming one of the best overall receivers in the SEC. He gets open, he’s quick, sudden, and shows consistent hands. He’s a natural playmaker and a big reason why the Dawgs are so good in the 4th quarter.
Branch brings his best when it matters most, and that’s exactly what he did against the Gators over the weekend.
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“We certainly envisioned him having a major impact,” Smart told reporters after Georgia’s win over Florida. “He’s a weapon. He has elite quickness and toughness. When he goes to practice, he goes for real. He works really hard and we show others his practice habits. I thought Zach did an awesome job for us.”
Branch gives Georgia a level of consistency and explosiveness that the offense needs right now. He’s terrific in the screen and short passing game due to his elusiveness and overall speed, but he’s also shown the ability to haul in a tough pass down the field.
So far this season, Branch has caught 45 passes for 474 yards and two touchdowns. He’s caught at least three passes in every game and has caught at least eight passes in each of his last three games.
Now, with the Bulldogs taking on a Mississippi State offense that can really score, look for Branch to see plenty of passes and opportunities to come his way in Starkville. Smart said he’s a weapon, and Stockton might need to use that weapon early and often.
