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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.