Lane Kiffin's offense has been far from effective so far this season. (Kevin Tsukii/Neon Tommy)

Following a disappointing and debilitating loss to Washington State Saturday night at the Coliseum, which resembled a gloomy pit of numbness following the contest, embattled coach Lane Kiffin was subjected to resounding chants of "Fire Kiffin" and thunderous boos as he ran off the field. 

His predictable playcalling under question and his indecision at starting quarterback criticized, Kiffin vowed the next day to finally name a starter, finally setting many irritable Trojan fans at wary ease. And, as promised, Kiffin named a starter Monday afternoon: Cody Kessler. 

The controversy that had consumed USC headlines since the terrible loss to Georgia Tech in last year's Sun Bowl has finally been settled, though many questions remain. But one thing is for sure now: Kiffin and his players have no more excuses. 

One of the most talented teams on paper in the nation - the underutilized receiving corps was the top-ranked unit in Athlon Sports' college football preview - the Trojans certainly have the tools to build a respectable, if not threatening, team in 2013. The defense has already proven that.

Defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast's side has allowed just 16 points in two games and ranks third in the FBS in interceptions (6) and first in sacks (11) and rushing yards allowed per game (15!). Although Hawaii remains to be seen as a worthy offensive opponent, WSU head coach Mike Leach's Air Raid offense was promising last season, but was stalled significantly by the Trojan front, producing just three points in sixty minutes of play. By comparison, USC's defense last year finished 51st in the FBS in total defense and a putrid 89th in rush defense. 

It goes without saying that Pendergast has noticeably improved the ferocity and composure of the Trojan defense. Now the offense, the typically better half of the equation, must pick up the slack.

The word that has been used frequently to criticize Kiffin's unit this season and throughout fall camp has been "inconsistent", and this is almost entirely due to instability at the quarterback position.

Leon McQuay, seen here, punching a ball loose out of bounds is part of a dominant USC defense. (Matthew Woo/Neon Tommy)

Though the Trojans were fully aware of the competitive dilemma behind center during camp, none of them openly admitted that the quarterback battle was hurting chemistry.

Marqise Lee, a Heisman-worthy baller who has been severely hampered by the indecision at quarterback said near the end of camp, "It's up to us, the players. The coaches, they're not necessarily playing. It's important for us and the quarterbacks to get on the same page."

It's evident - no - clear that, not only have the receivers and 'WitteKessler' not been on the same page, they appear to be reading different playbooks. 

Both interceptions Saturday night, one from Kessler and one from Wittek, were thrown on mistimed slants, products of rhythmless play and repetitive play calling. The receivers' routes were undercut by one corner - Damante Horton - who seemed to calculate the receivers' timing and tendencies better than the Trojan signal callers. 

And those mistimed missiles proved costly, one going 70 yards for a score in the other direction and the other cementing an embarrassing defeat.

But with Kiffin's assertive announcement Monday, there should be no more of that. For the first time since USC's late November loss at UCLA, the Trojans have a trusted leader under center, one that will surely play the whole game without fear of being pulled in an attempt at fairness and without threat of relentless coach mistrust.

Kiffin naming Kessler the starter is a vote of confidence for the redshirt sophomore from Bakersfield. Despite mediocre performances in his two halves in two games (18-for-32, 136 yds, 1 TD, 2 INT), Kessler has earned two consecutive halves of competitive football. The ebb and flow of the game will remain following halftime, and any adjustments he realized he should make in the second half will be attempted and possibly realized.

Come Saturday, Kessler will be playing with the responsibilites of a true quarterback for the first time at USC.

Supported by a solidified, sure running game - led by workhorse Tre Madden, who accounted for an absurd 163 of USC's 193 total yards - and a historically dominant defense, the offense finally has an identity and must be questioned as a legitimate regular-season unit. This offense will play for four quarters, and will be held accountable for all four.

And with uniquely dangerous weapons at every skill position, there is no room for error, no room of excuses. Not at USC.

Reach Senior Sports Editor Jeremy Bergman here. Follow him on Twitter here.