Skip to main content
USC

Tuli Tuipulotu Has Career Day in USC's Win Over Washington State

On3 imageby: Adam Bradford10/10/22Adam_Bradford14
USC Trojans defensive lineman Tuli Tuipulotu (49) reacts after sacking Washington State Cougars quarterback Cameron Ward (1) in the first half at the Coliseum on October 8, 2022 in Los Angeles, California.(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
USC Trojans defensive lineman Tuli Tuipulotu (49) reacts after sacking Washington State Cougars quarterback Cameron Ward (1) in the first half at the Coliseum (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

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.”

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.”

tuli-tuipulotu-has-career-day-in-usc's-win-over-washington-state
USC defensive lineman Tuli Tuipulotu recorded three sacks in the Trojans’ 30-14 win over Washington State on Saturday. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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.

You may also like

Garry Paskwietz (1966-2019)

Garry Paskwietz was a pioneer in bringing team-specific sports coverage to the internet. He founded WeAreSC in 1998 and was an Emmy winner for his work with Fox Sports West. Always generous with his time, knowledge, and compassion, he touched the lives of countless USC and high school football fans.

Garry Paskwietz