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Clay Helton says Cody Kessler followed tradition in Colorado preparation

USC quarterback Cody Kessler tries to hold off Arizona defensive lineman Reggie Gilbert during the first half of a game on Nov. 7.

USC quarterback Cody Kessler tries to hold off Arizona defensive lineman Reggie Gilbert during the first half of a game on Nov. 7.

(Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press)
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USC quarterback Cody Kessler apparently followed tradition in preparing for Friday night’s game at Colorado where temperatures could dip into the 20s.

“Cody does his patented thing that [he] and [former Trojans quarterback Matt Barkley] have always done,” interim head coach Clay Helton said after Wednesday’s closed practice. “They’ve got the bag of ice out there.

“They’re freezing their hand up and throwing with their hand being cold all week. That’s kind of a ritual around here.”

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In 2011, Barkley completed 25 of 39 passes for 318 yards and six touchdowns in a 42-17 victory at Folsom Field.

Two years ago, Kessler completed 19 of 28 passes for 184 yards and two touchdowns in a 47-29 victory.

Kessler said this week that he was accustomed to playing in cold weather from his high school days in Bakersfield.

Follow Gary Klein on Twitter @LATimesklein

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