USC's Kessler Named Manning Finalist

USC redshirt quarterback Cody Kessler was named one of 11 finalists for the Manning Award Wednesday, recognizing the nation's top quarterback. Kessler has led the USC football team to an 8-4 record in his first full season as the Trojans starter, totaling 3,505 passing yards en route to 36 touchdowns and a mere four interceptions. Kessler is the only quarterback in the nation with more than 400 pass attempts and less than five interceptions.

Kessler became the first person to ever throw for six touchdowns against Notre Dame in the 49-14 regular season finale victory. He also set a USC record earlier in the season, becoming the first Trojan to throw for seven touchdowns in a game in the October 18 trampling of the Colorado Buffaloes. The Bakersfield, California native is joined by UCLA's Brett Hundley and Oregon's Marcus Mariota as representatives from the PAC-12 for the prestigious award.

The winner of the Manning Award will be announced January 14. Kessler and the rest of the Trojans will wait until Sunday to find out which bowl game they will play in at the end of December.