USC will start redshirt sophomore Cody Kessler at quarterback in its season opener Thursday at Hawaii, the school announced.
Kessler thoroughly outplayed fellow third-year sophomore Max Wittek for most of fall camp, only to stumble in the Trojans' mock game by throwing two interceptions.
Kessler played in 10 games last season, but attempted only two passes. The Bakersfield (Calif.) Centennial product completed both for nine yards.
Listed at 6 feet 1 and 215 pounds, Kessler isn't exactly the prototypical strong-armed pocket passer USC head coach Lane Kiffin prefers, but Kessler has demonstrated a knack for making plays and using his mobility in practice.
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