Dec. 19--USC quarterback Cody Kessler was wearing a brace last week after suffering a thumb sprain during the Pac-12 title game.
During a news conference in San Diego to promote the Holiday Bowl, Trojans Coach Clay Helton said Kessler would be ready to play against Wisconsin.
"He's one of those -- he's going to play no matter what," Helton said. "You could probably cut his right wrist off and he would still play."
Kessler has thrown for 28 touchdowns, with six interceptions, this season.
Third-year sophomore Max Browne, the front-runner to start at quarterback in next season's opener against Alabama, has played in only three games this season.
Browne has completed eight of 12 passes for 113 yards.
Getting defensive
Last season, USC defeated Nebraska, 45-42, in the Holiday Bowl, the latest in a line of high-scoring Holiday Bowl games.
Wisconsin Coach Paul Chryst would prefer to avoid a similar scenario.
The Badgers' defense has given up only 13.1 points and 267.1 yards per game.
Wisconsin's offense has averaged 27.1 points and 377.3 yards per game.
"I'm proud of our defense and what we've done, and I think for us, to give ourselves the best chance, I don't know if we necessarily want it to be a high-scoring game," Chryst said. "But the thing I like about this team is they kind of just react and play."
