Rain could complicate USC’s plan against Washington State

The last time USC played on wet turf it did not end well for the Trojans.

Rain fell for about 90 minutes before USC’s loss at Boston College in the second game of the season.

The forecast calls for rain Saturday at Pullman, Wash., where the Trojans will play Washington State at Martin Stadium.

USC Coach Steve Sarkisian said Thursday that he learned to navigate a game through misty, wet and “soggy” conditions during five seasons as coach at Washington.

Washington State quarterback Connor Halliday, major college football’s passing yardage leader, is expected to throw dozens of passes regardless of the weather.

But if heavy rain falls during the game, it could affect USC’s game plan.

“You get the ball in the hands of the people that you know you can trust, that you can count on,” Sarkisian said.

Last season, when Washington played Arizona in wind and rain, Sarkisian gave the ball to running back Bishop Sankey a school-record 40 times.

So USC tailback Javorius Allen could carry the load Saturday.

Allen carried a career-best 29 times in the Trojans’ loss to Arizona State. He rushed for 31 yards in 15 carries on wet turf at Boston College.

Allen was sidelined near the end of last week’s defeat at Utah after he was tackled and landed on his shoulder.

But the junior said Tuesday he would “most definitely” play against Washington State. Allen practiced Tuesday and Wednesday and was dressed for Thursday’s closed practice.

Washington State’s campus is located in eastern Washington amid the rolling hills of the Palouse.

Sarkisian said he would assess the game and weather conditions and adjust accordingly.

“There’s going to be some moisture,” he said. “To what degree, we don’t know.”

“It’s the Palouse. It can change at any minute.”

Felix to start

Linebacker Scott Felix made a team-best nine tackles, including 1 1/2 for losses against Utah.

He could not savor the performance because Utah drove for a game-winning touchdown in the final two minutes.

“The last drive messed things up and left a sour taste,” he said.

Felix, a third-year sophomore from Norco, will start in place of injured J.R. Tavai against Washington State.

Sarkisian said Felix has been “impactful,” but he wants him to be mindful of penalties and positioning when rushing the quarterback.

“I have to be able to focus on getting better and going out and doing my part,” Felix said.

Quick hits

Defensive lineman Antwaun Woods is recovering from an ear infection, Sarkisian said. Woods was absent from practice Tuesday and limited Wednesday. He attended practice Thursday, and Sarkisian said “I suspect” he would be ready to play Saturday…. Kicker Andre Heidari, who has been nursing a groin injury, was not 100%, said Sarkisian, adding that Heidari’s condition would be assessed after pregame warmups Saturday… Fullback Soma Vainuku (hamstring) and receiver Ajene Harris (hamstring) will travel to Washington State, but they are not expected to play. USC’s next game is Nov. 13 against California.”Worst-case scenario is by Cal they’re really 100% ready to go,” Sarkisian said.

gary.klein@latimes.com

Twitter: @latimesklein