USC’s Cody Kessler looking for better performance against Notre Dame

USC quarterback Cody Kessler is looking forward to producing a better performance on Saturday against Notre Dame than he did last week.

Kessler struggled in the Trojans’ 38-20 defeat by UCLA.

The junior completed 22 of 34 passes for 214 yards and a touchdown with one interception. He was sacked six times.

Asked Tuesday what he thought he could improve upon, Kessler said, “Everything. I’ve got to play better.”

Kessler has passed for 30 touchdowns and four interceptions. He is ranked fifth nationally in passing efficiency.

Kessler said some of the sacks against UCLA were his fault.

“I was trying to hold on to the ball a little longer and make things happen because we were down, and my competitive spirit took over,” he said. “But at the end of the day, as a unit, we’ve got to play better. And I’ve got to play better.”