USC quarterback Cody Kessler looks to cut down turnovers

For the first time in his USC career, Trojans quarterback Cody Kessler has had two passes intercepted for a second consecutive game.

Both interceptions came in the fourth quarter, one on an outstanding coverage play by Notre Dame’s KeiVarae Russell and the other on a tipped ball.

“Those turnovers late were crucial, especially when you play a good football team like that,” Kessler said after the game.

Helton said Kessler “did some really good things that we asked him to do” and was a poised presence for younger players.

“I thought the kid played well,” Helton said. “Can he play even better? Yeah. I have high expectations for him but he did enough to help us win the game.”

Jackson snap count

Adoree’ Jackson’s workload was reduced slightly against Notre Dame to prevent fatigue he experienced against Washington, Helton said.

Jackson, who played a season-high 94 snaps on defense, offense and special teams against Washington, played 79 against Notre Dame, 26 on offense.

Jackson, a starting cornerback, got beat on several plays, including one for a 75-yard touchdown by Notre Dame receiver Will Fuller on the Fighting Irish’s first play.

“He was in some one-on-one matchups with a great wide receiver,” Helton said. “He won some battles and lost some battles.”

Jackson said after the game that he blamed himself for the loss.

Learning on the job

Freshman tailback Ronald Jones II rushed for 74 yards against Notre Dame, including a 65-yard run that set up a touchdown. Jones, who has rushed for a team-best 380 yards, had only six carries.

Helton said “one regret coming out of the game” was not finding more touches for Jones, who is “learning how to be a complete player.

“An ultra-special runner,” Helton said, “that’s learning how to pass protect and how to be a better receiver.”

Quick hits

Helton said receiver Darreus Rogers did not play in the second half because of a hamstring issue. Rogers sat out nearly all of the previous two games because of a hamstring injury. Receiver Jalen Green, who passed for a touchdown, also suffered a strain, Helton said.

gary.klein@latimes.com

Twitter: @latimesklein