USC’s Cody Kessler wants to keep emotions in check for final game at Coliseum

Cody Kessler probably won’t be overcome by emotion when USC plays UCLA on Saturday at the Coliseum.

USC’s senior quarterback has been through so much during his five years in the program that a final appearance in the Trojans’ historic home stadium will be handled in stride.

“It’s going to be exciting,” he said Tuesday after practice. “”It’s been a long ride for me, a very emotional, drama-filled ride, but it will be fun.”

Kessler endured through NCAA sanctions, a battle with Max Wittek for the starting job, multiple coaching changes and other situations that caused turmoil in the program.

Now, he has a chance to lead USC to the Pac-12 South Division title and spot in the conference title game. A possible Rose Bowl appearance is still in play for a program that has not played on New Year’s Day in Pasadena since the 2008 season.

“It’s been a great ride for me, a great journey,” said Kessler, one of several Trojans seniors who donned their high school jerseys for Tuesday’s practice. “It will be obviously emotional. ... But I can look back at that after the game.”

Most USC senior quarterbacks have handled their final Coliseum appearances without an issue. In 2005, Matt Leinart was in tears before pulling himself together and leading the Trojans to a 66-19 victory over the Bruins.

“I’ve always been kind of a level-headed guy,” Kessler said. “I’ll get emotional here and there, but maybe after; most of it will sink in.”

Kessler was a freshman in 2011 when Matt Barkley led the Trojans to a 50-0 victory. He also did not play in the Bruins’ 38-28 victory over the Trojans in 2012.

Two years ago, Kessler completed 17 of 28 passes for 174 yards and touchdown in a 35-14 loss to UCLA.

Last season, he was 22 for 34 for 214 yards and touchdown, with an interception, in a 38-20 defeat.

Kessler has passed for 25 touchdowns, with six interceptions, this season. He said finishing his career with a victory over UCLA — as USC’s starter — was important.

“Especially with everything on the line this week — rivalry week and the Pac-12 South still at stake, everything that’s happened,” he said. “And it would be awesome go out with a win, especially at the Coliseum the last time.”

Healthy measure

Receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster has played through leg, hand and ankle injuries this season.

He estimated that he was operating at about 75% “on a good day” but would take steps during practice to make sure he makes it through the final two to three games.

“Calming down in practice, stop diving, stop doing stuff that I don’t need to be doing and save my body for the game,” he said.

Hulking presence

Offensive tackle Zach Banner pushed and pulled tailback Justin Davis — and a gang of Oregon defenders — to a 24-yard gain in last week’s loss at Eugene, Ore.

The 6-foot-9 Banner hit the turf at the end of the play, but he leaped up and flexed his muscles.

“That was the Hulk for sure,” he said when asked if that was the character he was imitating. “That was just effort. ... I saw guys holding my guy back.”

Before last season’s game against UCLA, Banner said, “We still own L.A.” He added that the Bruins “got us the last two years, but they don’t own it. They’ve just been renting it for a couple weeks.”

Asked Tuesday about the Bruins, he said, “They’re a good team. I’m excited.”

Back in action

USC could have improved depth at several positions against UCLA.

Tailback Tre Madden, offensive lineman Viane Talamaivao and safety Marvell Tell will be available after recovering from injuries, interim Coach Clay Helton said.

Madden, a fifth-year senior, has been sidelined because of a knee injury. He could be used in spot situations against the Bruins.

Talamaivao, a sophomore, suffered a knee injury against Colorado and sat out last week’s loss against Oregon. Chris Brown started in his place.

Tell, a freshman, suffered a broken collarbone early in the season.

“That was like a Christmas present,” Helton said of Tell’s return to a safety corps thinned by injuries.

Receiver Isaac Whitney, who is coming back from a broken collarbone, went through non-contact drills on Tuesday.

Quick hits

Walk-on receiver Robby Kolanz and walk-on tight end Connor Spears were named to the Pac-12 Conference All-Academic team. Kolanz, a broadcast journalism major, has a 3.50 grade-point average. Spears, a business administration major, has a 3.44 GPA. ... The annual football game between the USC and UCLA football managers will be played Wednesday night at Brian Kennedy-Howard Jones Field. USC will try to break a four-game losing streak.

gary.klein@latimes.com

Twitter: @latimesklein