Cody Kessler Key to USC Football Victory in Holiday Bowl

While all of the attention for postseason awards has been focused on Marcus Mariota, Cody Kessler has slid under the radar for the USC Trojans, and if the Trojans hope to defeat the Nebraska Cornhuskers Saturday night in the Holiday Bowl, he is going to have to key their victory.

While Kessler may not have the rushing numbers Mariota has, his numbers are right up there with the Heisman Trophy winner when it comes to passing. Kessler threw 36 touchdowns passes this season against only four interceptions, second in the Pac-12 in both categories. He had the highest completion percentage in the conference at 70.7 percent and was second in pass efficiency at 168.8. He threw for a school-record seven touchdowns earlier this season against the Colorado Buffaloes and is coming off a six-touchdown, 372-yard passing performance against the reeling Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

Kessler will have a tough test against the pass defense of the Cornhuskers. They rank 26th in the FBS in passing yards allowed per game and have only allowed 12 passing touchdowns all season while intercepting 12 passes. Cornerback Nathan Gerry finished second in the Big Ten with five interceptions, and Kessler will need to make sure to be careful when throwing his way.

This matchup in the Holiday Bowl will be a classic clash between a high-powered passing offense against a stout pass defense. If the Trojans hope to end their season on a high note, Kessler is going to have to play mistake-free football and find a way to pick apart Nebraska’s defense. If he can do this, then he should be able to lead the Trojans to their second-consecutive bowl victory in their first-ever visit to the Holiday Bowl.

Phillip Jacques is a Pac-12 Football writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.