USC quarterback Cody Kessler might take more chances

USC Coach Steve Sarkisian, in search of what he describes as more “explosive” passing plays, said this week that he wants quarterback Cody Kessler to “let it rip” on deeper routes.

Asked Wednesday if he was hesitant to throw long passes, Kessler did not hesitate.

“No,” he said after practice. “There’s some I could have let go, but at the same time it’s always about coverage.”

Kessler has completed 69% of his passes, 11 for touchdowns. He had thrown 190 passes without an interception before Arizona picked off one in the Trojans’ 28-26 victory at Tucson last week.

Those are nice-looking numbers but Sarkisian noted that USC’s execution on longer pass plays “wasn’t exactly where we want it to be yet.” He encouraged Kessler to trust his preparation, his coaches and his teammates.

On Wednesday, Kessler said offensive coordinator Clay Helton “kind of made a funny comment: ‘OK, we broke the ice with the interception, so it’s all right to throw one up and see who comes down with it every once in a while.’”

Kessler did not disagree, outlining a scenario where he might lead or purposely underthrow receiver Nelson Agholor to give him a chance to make a play on a longer route.

“That’s something that I should probably start doing, is put it up more,” he said.

Kessler said he felt comfortable with all Trojans receivers on deep routes.

Arm strength, he added, was not a problem. “I’ve had some that I’ve overthrown,” he said.

Maybe next yearTailback Tre Madden and linebacker Lamar Dawson are finalizing decisions to redshirt, Sarkisian said.

The coach said he was scheduled to meet Thursday with Madden and his family.

“In a perfect world, I think he’ll be done for the year and we’ll try to get that year back,” Sarkisian said. “So he’ll have two years left to play.”

Madden, the Trojans’ leading rusher in 2013, has not played this season because of a toe injury. As a fourth-year junior, he could petition for an extra season of eligibility after next season.

Dawson, a senior with 20 career starts, has been slow to recover from knee surgery for an injury he suffered last season.

Quick hits

A turbulent 2013 football season that included coaching turnover and a trip to a lower-level bowl game did not prevent USC’s athletic department from breaking the $100-million benchmark for the first time, according to a report that must be filed annually with the U.S. Department of Education as part of Title IX compliance. USC reported total expenses and revenue of $106.5 million for the period covering July 1, 2013, to June 30, 2014. That is an increase of $8.7 million from the previous year. USC’s football expenses increased by about $7 million to about $30.3 million. Revenue was about $44.8 million, an increase of about $1 million. … Defensive lineman Leonard Williams (shoulder) did not practice but Sarkisian said he would be “fine” for the game…. Cornerback Adoree’ Jackson (groin) practiced…. Fullback Soma Vainuku (hamstring) did not practice.

gary.klein@latimes.com

Twitter: @latimesklein