USC expects spiraling number of passes by Washington State’s Halliday

USC anticipates a possible record-breaking performance by Washington State on Saturday.

Tim Rattay of Louisiana Tech threw 68 passes against USC in 1999. Arizona’s Nick Foles completed 41 passes against the Trojans in 2011.

Washington State quarterback Connor Halliday might eclipse both marks.

Halliday completed 56 of 79 passes for 489 yards and four touchdowns, with two interceptions, in last week’s 59-37 loss to Arizona.

The senior has thrown 62 or more passes in each of the last six games.

“They might throw the ball 85 times,” USC Coach Steve Sarkisian said Wednesday. “That could conceivably happen, which is hard to even say, never mind watch.

“We just have to be patient. We can’t get hung up if they complete some balls — they’re going to. If you throw the ball 85 times, I don’t care if it’s the ’85 [Chicago] Bears out there, you’re going to complete some passes.”

Halliday leads major college football with 3,833 yards passing and 32 touchdown passes. He has had 10 passes intercepted and ranks 36th nationally in passing efficiency.

Sarkisian and Trojans defensive players anticipate turnover opportunities.

“I dream for it,” safety Gerald Bowman said, “because you know they’re going to put it up.”

Lobendahn to start

Freshman Toa Lobendahn will start for the first time at left tackle.

Lobendahn, who has started every game at left guard, on Wednesday continued to work with the first team at tackle in place of injured Chad Wheeler.

Coaches had used Tuesday’s practice to evaluate whether Lobendahn would play ahead of senior Aundrey Walker, who has 18 career starts.

Redshirt freshman Khaliel Rodgers appears on track to start at left guard. Freshman Damien Mama did not practice Wednesday after aggravating a right knee injury Tuesday.

The starting line Saturday will probably be junior Max Tuerk at center, freshman Viane Talamaivao and Rodgers and guard, and Lobendahn and third-year sophomore Zach Banner at tackle.

Williams is managing

Defensive lineman Leonard Williams has played through shoulder issues and other injuries this season, so his practices are being managed carefully.

Williams has not been in pads this week because of shoulder soreness, but the projected first-round NFL draft pick has participated in some drills and is expected to play Saturday.

“I’ve been able to still go in the game and know exactly what’s going on,” he said.

Williams’ performance bears that out.

He is second on the Trojans with 51 tackles, including six for losses. He also has forced three fumbles and intercepted a pass.

“We want to try and build him back up as best we can for game day, so he feels really good on game day again,” Sarkisian said. “He obviously plays his tail off every time he takes the field.”

Quick hits

Defensive tackle Antwaun Woods was not in pads but participated in a few drills. Woods was absent Tuesday because of illness. ... Fullback Soma Vainuku (hamstring) is expected to remain sidelined Saturday. … Sarkisian indicated that junior linebacker Charles Burks and sophomore linebacker Quinton Powell would have pass-rushing opportunities against Washington State.

gary.klein@latimes.com

Twitter: @latimesklein