Washington linebacker drops ball before goal line on likely touchdown in head-scratching play

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The No. 5 Washington Huskies remained undefeated on Saturday with a 35-28 win over No. 13 Utah. But it could’ve been a disaster if the team from the Pacific Northwest didn’t recover after a head-scratching play.

Huskies linebacker Alphonzo Tuputala picked off Utes quarterback Bryson Barnes in the third quarter – a crucial play with Washington already leading 33-28. Tuputala thought he had returned the interception 76 yards for a touchdown and was seen celebrating as he made his way into the end zone.

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Washington's Alphonzo Tuputala races down the sidelines after intercepting a pass, only to fumble the ball at the 1-yard line during the Utah Utes game on Nov. 11, 2023, at Husky Stadium in Seattle. (Jesse Beals/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

However, replay showed that Tuputala dropped the ball before he crossed the goal line. Utah’s Michael Mokofisi recovered the ball at the 1-yard line. The move cost Washington six points.

The linebacker was criticized on social media but his teammates attempted to pick him up on the sideline recognizing that he made a tough mistake.

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"It's a great lesson to learn from," Washington coach Kalen DeBoer said after the game. "Fortunately, we win the football game so we can learn from that."

The linebacker finished with four tackles on the day.

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Utah offensive lineman Michael Mokofisi recovers a fumble after Washington linebacker Alphonzo Tuputala dropped the football while celebrating his interception before reaching the end zone, Saturday,