Cody Kessler threw the ball 41 times in USC's loss at Boston College last Saturday. Is it possible that number of attempts from the redshirt junior wasn't enough for USC to have success?
In short, yes.
If Steve Sarkisian's thoughts of USC possibly needing to pass the ball to set up the run are true, instead of vice versa, then a higher volume of throws could be coming Kessler's way.
It's perceived all quarterbacks want to throw the ball, a lot.
However, Kessler comes off as indifferent about the matter.
"I can throw the ball five times or 60 times," Kessler said. 'I just want to win."
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Before we get carried away, this isn't a major philosophical change where Kessler all of a sudden becomes Connor Halliday and starts slinging it around the yard 60 times a game for USC.
However, the potential change of heart for Sarkisian, who's traditionally been a run first guy, stems from USC's inability to run the ball against Boston College. As a team, the Trojans totaled a whopping 20 yards on the ground or 432 less than they gave up.
As good as Buck Allen played in the Trojans first two games, having Kessler as the offense's No. 1 option may not be a bad thing.
Kessler is completing 71 percent of his passes on the season, which puts him ninth among FBS quarterbacks. More importantly, he hasn't thrown an interception.
Here is @CoachSark's post-game press conference after USC's loss to Boston College: http://t.co/i99sV3qyOy
— USC Trojans (@USC_Athletics) September 14, 2014
"Like I've always said, protecting the ball is my biggest thing and I've been doing an OK job with that right now," Kessler said.
It's not as if Kessler's only chances to throw the ball came only on third down against Boston College, it's just that on those drives when that was the case, USC's ineffectiveness to run the ball on first and second downs was so glaring.
In four such drives when the Trojans elected to run on first and second down, three times third down resulted in Kessler being sacked. The other was a Kessler run on third and long that was short of the first down marker. It should be noted on two of the aforementioned drives that resulted in Kessler sacks, the Trojans twice earned first downs via Kessler throws.
So, is now the time for the proverbial keys to the USC offense be handed over to Kessler? The quarterback admits he's a lot more comfortable in his current role this season compared to a season ago.
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"I like having the ball in my hands feeling like I have, kind of cliché, but the game in my hands when I have the ball," Kessler said. "At the beginning of (last season I was) trying to force stuff or make things happen that weren't there but this year I feel a lot more comfortable and like I can go out there every game and play to win and feel like my guys are going to help me do that."
