Cody Kessler Reportedly Set to Start at Quarterback for USC vs. Washington State

Aug 29, 2013; Honolulu, HI, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Cody Kessler (6) throws a pass against the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors at Aloha Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

USC Trojans redshirt-sophomore quarterback Cody Kessler is about to get his second start under his belt at the collegiate level, as FOX is reporting that Lane Kiffin will start him in Week 2 vs. the Washington State Cougars, to open Pac-12 play.

Kessler’s first start was a mixed bag for USC, completing 10 of 19 passes for 95 yards, with both a touchdown and an interception in a 30-13 win over Hawaii. After one drive in the second half, Kessler was pulled out of the game with a 20-5 lead, as Max Wittek took the reigns of Troy’s offense.

Wittek was 5 of 10 for 77 yards in the second half, though his numbers could have been better had Marqise Lee not dropped what would have been a 55-yard touchdown completion late in the 4th quarter.

Kiffin was adamant that neither quarterback had seperated himself from the other in Week 1, and told the media on Sunday that had made a decision, though wasn’t prepared to inform the media of who held QB1. That of course, was until today, when reports leaked out of Los Angeles.

The Trojans face Mike Leach’s Washington State Cougars that come off of a respectable loss on the plains at Auburn, and kickoff in the Coliseum is slated for 7:00 p.m. Pacific, with Craig Bolerjack on the call for FOX Sports 1.