It’s a sweet peak for Sanchez

PULLMAN, Wash. -- After rebounding from the worst performance of his career with one of his best, USC quarterback Mark Sanchez proclaimed that the Trojans were ready to make a run for a national title.

“We’re on the up-and-up and ready to peak at the right time,” he said.

Sanchez looked in top form Saturday, tying a school record with five touchdown passes in the Trojans’ 69-0 victory over Washington State.

Sanchez joined Rodney Peete, Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart in the record book, but Sanchez is the only one to accomplish the feat in one half.

“I didn’t know it was a record until we came in after the game,” said Sanchez, who completed 15 of 20 passes for 253 yards without an interception in the first two quarters.

Sanchez regained his touch after fumbling and having three passes intercepted in the third quarter against Arizona State last week.

“It wasn’t like I was trying extra hard to get it past me, but I just wanted to focus like I normally do, get back to my routine and play like I know how,” Sanchez said.

The record run began on the first possession, Sanchez connecting with receiver Patrick Turner for a 23-yard scoring play. Sanchez then found Turner from 14 yards and receiver Ronald Johnson from three for a 21-0 first-quarter lead.

Sanchez and Johnson connected again on a 16-yard strike in the second quarter and tight end Anthony McCoy turned a short pass into a 21-yard scoring play for a 41-0 lead. “Mark put the ball there just about every time,” Johnson said.

Sanchez played one series of the third quarter before being removed from the game. But he remained boisterous and encouraging on the sideline.

“I wanted to stay in the game, even though I was out fairly early, and show these guys that I’m still paying attention to them and it still means a lot to me to see them do well,” he said.

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gary.klein@latimes.com