Bakersfield's Kessler is stalwart leader for No. 8 USC

Kessler has been an oasis of calm in the storm that perpetuallysurrounds eighth-ranked USC, capably navigating the distractions andchallenges of being the highest-profile player in a marquee programstacked with world-class talent. He has filled up the USC record bookswhile emerging as a stalwart leader who always steps up — even when hiscoach falters.