Tuli Tuipulotu Has Career Day in USC's Win Over Washington State
USC defensive lineman Tuli Tuipulotu had a career day during the Trojans’ 30-14 win over Washington State on Saturday. Tuipulotu sacked Washington State quarterback Cameron Ward three times during the win, a new career high for the junior from Lawndale, California. In addition, he racked up five tackles—including four solo tackles—on the afternoon.
For his performance, Tuipulotu was named the Pac 12 Defensive Player of the Week.
Alex Grinch on Tuipulotu’s Career Day
Following the game, USC defensive coordinator Alex Grinch spoke about Tuipultou’s career day.
“Just critical, absolutely critical,” Grinch said of the big plays that the defensive lineman made. “You get to the point where you just think he’s going to make a play. You look at the call sheet and you don’t want to get in his way.”
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Whatever Grinch was doing with the call sheet clearly worked, as his USC defense held their opponent to just 14 points for the third time this season. In addition, the Trojans have yet to allow more than 28 points in a game this year, a mark that USC’s opponents exceeded eight times last season.
“You talk about stepping up,” Grinch added on Tuipulotu’s impressive performance. “That was huge.”
Social Media Reacts
As Tuipulotu was putting on a show at the Colisum, social media reacted to his monster game.
Tuipultotu is looking to become the first Trojan defensive lineman to earn All-American honors since Leonard Williams back in 2014. His older brother, Marlon, earned first team all-Pac 12 at the position in 2020.
