USC’s Cody Kessler ranks sixth in passing, still has room to improve

USC does not have a game on Saturday, but quarterback Cody Kessler is probably among the Trojans who would prefer to be playing.

Kessler passed for 400 yards and five touchdowns in USC’s victory over Washington State last week, a performance that has propelled him to sixth place nationally in passing efficiency.

Kessler is completing 70% of his passes. He has passed for 25 touchdowns, with two interceptions.

Against Washington State, the junior connected with receiver Nelson Agholor for an 87-yard touchdown pass play.

Coach Steve Sarkisian said after the victory that Kessler played well — but added that there was room to improve.

“It’s hard to argue when a guy throws for 400 yards and five touchdowns,” Sarkisian said. “That being said, I’ve got about five or six plays in my head that I want him to play better.”

Kessler was quick to identify one area: Avoiding sacks. Washington State got him three times.

On Saturday, when the Trojans resume practice and begin preparations for their Nov. 13 game against California, Kessler will focus on the issue.

“There’s obviously some things we need to clean up going into this bye week,” he said. “I’ve got to eliminate some of the sacks I took.”

New starter

Defensive lineman Greg Townsend Jr. is looking forward to more opportunities against Cal after playing well in his first start.

Townsend, a fourth-year junior, was hampered by injuries last season and during spring practice. Early this season, he was stricken with chicken pox.

Against Washington State, the 6-foot-3, 275-pound Townsend recorded a sack and hurried a pass. But he lamented missing additional chances for sacks.

“I was definitely happy with the one I did get,” he said. “But I left some on the table. I just can’t stop thinking about it.”

Catching on

Receiver Steven Mitchell has two touchdown catches in the last three games.

The redshirt freshman set up USC’s final touchdown against Washington State with a 23-yard reception, and then scored on the next play with a five-yard catch.

Mitchell’s freshman season ended when he suffered a knee injury during summer workouts in 2013. He also required two procedures for a sports hernia that slowed him this summer and through training camp.

“My confidence is definitely building,” he said. “My knee feels strong, my body feels strong. I just want to get better as the days go by.”

Quick hits

Tailback Javorius Allen is among 20 semifinalists for the Maxwell Award, presented annually to the top player in college football. Defensive lineman Leonard Williams is a semifinalist for the Bednarik Award, presented to college football’s outstanding defensive player. Finalists for both awards will be announced Nov. 24, winners Dec. 11. Williams also is a semifinalist for the Lombardi Award, presented to college football’s top lineman.

gary.klein@latimes.com

Twitter: @latimesklein