Heading into last fall, USC quarterback Cody Kessler was no doubt a middle-of-the-pack quarterback in the pass-happy Pac-12 Conference.
Now, not so much.
Second-year starter Kessler surprised people in 2014 when he threw for 3,826 yards, 39 touchdowns, and just five interceptions. Despite those numbers, Kessler didn't receive much attention, especially nationally. All the focus in the Pac-12 was on Marcus Mariota and Brett Hundley.
USC head coach Steve Sarkisian believes this lack of recognition will play to his quarterback's advantage.
It is always an advantage to have a senior quarterback leading your team.