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The Washington Huskies are having a dream 2023 college football season thus far.
The Huskies entered Saturday’s matchup with Utah at 9-0 and still firmly in contention for the College Football Playoff.
Redshirt junior linebacker Alphonzo Tuputala is a big part of that success, entering Saturday’s game with 42 tackles on the year.
But against the Utes, Tuputala had a blooper he may never live down.
With the Huskies clinging to a tight 33-28 lead over Utah late in the third quarter, Tuputala picked off a pass from quarterback Bryson Barnes.
Tuputala then took off for the end zone with nobody to keep him from scoring. Nobody, that is, except for himself.
Washington's Alphonzo Tuputala celebrated a would-be pick-six too early and dropped the ball, which was recovered by Utah. 🤦♂️ pic.twitter.com/jjKKAUoUP9
— The Comeback NCAA (@TheComebackNCAA) November 11, 2023
The Huskies linebacker, in his excitement, held the ball out and dropped it on the ground as he crossed the goal line.
The problem?
Tuputala dropped the ball before he passed the goal line. Well, well before he passed the goal line.
Utah offensive lineman Michael Mokofisi was aware to what happened and fell on the ball, giving possession back to the Utes.
Thankfully for Tuputala, Washington forced a safety on the ensuing play to go ahead 35-28.
But Huskies coach Kalen DeBoer still wasn’t pleased. During an interview entering the fourth quarter, DeBoer said that his team needs to “do the little things, like cross the goal line with the ball in your hands” if it wants to win the game.
Something tells up Tuputala won’t live this one down anytime soon, even if Washington hangs on to win.