Lane Kiffin says Max Wittek and Cody Kessler both will play

USC quarterbacks Max Wittek and Cody Kessler have competed to become the starter since spring practice, but Coach Lane Kiffin has not publicly announced one and he said Saturday that “we anticipate” both will play in Thursday’s opener at Hawaii.

“If somebody would have outperformed the other one, we wouldn’t be here,” Kiffin said. “But they both did really well.”

Kiffin said he would decide on a starter after the Trojans arrive in Hawaii on Tuesday.

“We look at it as a great thing,’’ Kiffin said. “We’ve got two guys that we feel great about. We don’t feel like we have to limit our offense with either one.”

Kiffin informed Wittek and Kessler of the decision Saturday morning.

Wittek said he was not surprised.

“We’re both just going to go in there and take advantage of the opportunities we get and prepare ourselves and just ultimately help the team win the game,” he said.

Kessler said he would be ready when called upon.

“Each of us wanted to win, but at the end of the day it’s Coach Kiffin’s decision and whatever decision he thinks is best for the team, we’re going to go with that and trust in it.

“I’m just excited to get in the game and get the opportunity and a chance. That’s all I ever wanted.”

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