Reports: Cody Kessler to Start against Washington State

FOX Sports College Football just said on its Twitter page that redshirt sophomore Cody Kessler will start the home opener against the Cougars.

Reports: #USC will start @CodyKessler6 at quarterback vs. Washington St. this weekend.

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 3, 2013

This comes on the heels of head coach Lane Kiffin saying during a conference call on Sunday. From the Los Angeles Times story by Gary Klein:

"We do know who our starting quarterback is, so there is no need to ask that every day," Kiffin said during a teleconference with reporters. "And you guys will see Saturday who he is."

A person with knowledge of the situation said the quarterbacks were told that the plan would be similar to the one employed for the Trojans' 30-13 victory at Hawaii: Kessler will start, but Wittek also will play. The person requested anonymity because they were told in confidence.

If the report holds true, it will basically be Round 2 of what was seen against Hawaii. Maybe Kiffin will call up some deeper passes for Kessler -- as NBCSports.com pointed out, Wittek threw down the field more than No. 6.