Originally published Wednesday, November 12, 2008 at 12:00 AM
Comments (0)
E-mail article
Print view
WSU football | Redshirt sophomore takes control at defensive tackle
Toby Turpin has played his way into the starting lineup at right defensive tackle. Or because he fits Washington State's schemes better...
Special to The Seattle Times
WSU @ Arizona State, 2:30 p.m.
PULLMAN — Toby Turpin has played his way into the starting lineup at right defensive tackle. Or because he fits Washington State's schemes better. Or because he's finally healthy.
Whatever the primary reason, the redshirt sophomore will assume the starting spot at right tackle for the remainder of the season after getting his first career start last Saturday.
Senior Matt Eichelberger started the first nine games at right tackle, but Turpin replaced him during the game against Stanford two weeks ago and hasn't let go.
"Eichelberger played pretty good at times, then not so good at others," Wulff said, adding that it was strictly a "performance decision."
Co-defensive coordinator Jody Sears said Turpin fits better into the defense the Cougars are running.
"Really this all comes down to schemes," Sears said. "Going with Toby fits our defense and his abilities better than Eichelberger."
Given the climate of the team's overall effort this season, both Wulff and Sears went out of their way to shoot down any speculation the move had to do with Eichelberger's work ethic or attitude.
"Ike is a great leader — I want to be clear on that," Sears said. "He's done a tremendous job for us. He hasn't missed a day of practice going all the way back to spring camp."
Since the shift, Eichelberger has given Turpin pointers in practice and helped him during film studies.
"Ike is taking this whole thing so well," Turpin said. "He hasn't made this awkward at all. I know I couldn't handle this as well as he has."
Turpin tore ligaments in his thumb two days before the season opener against Oklahoma State and was forced into a cast. It was taken off two weeks ago.
After redshirting in 2006, Turpin recorded just four tackles last season.
"I feel like I haven't really played since my senior year in high school," Turpin said. "It's really exciting — but starting has been my plan all along."
Sears said Turpin excels with his hands and has an ability "to eat up the center better than anyone else."
"He's playing with a lot of confidence right now," Sears said. "It's really nice to see him developing the way he is. We've been pretty pleased with his progress."
Running choices
Wulff said either Logwone Mitz or Dwight Tardy could start Saturday, depending on how the week of practice goes. Since returning from a knee injury that forced him to miss two games, Tardy has only seen limited action — carrying the ball eight times for 26 yards against Stanford and Arizona. In the same span, Mitz has carried 22 times for 139 yards.
"Logwone has gotten consistently better this season and taken advantage of our [injury] situation to better himself," Wulff said. "But he's not where we need him to be, even though he's making progress."
Backup Chris Ivory, sidelined since last month with a lingering hamstring injury, practiced for the first time Tuesday, and could return in some capacity Saturday against Arizona State.
• The Cougars are last in the nation in turnover ratio (22) and in turnovers committed (33).
• Wulff said he expects to have defensive end Kevin Kooyman (pinched nerve) back Saturday.
Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company
UPDATE - 08:20 PM
Cougars hand one to UCLA
NEW - 08:13 PM
Bud Withers: Cougs can't compete
UCLA makes unpopular trip to Pullman
Washington State begins Ken Bone era with easy victory
Myron Beck's versatility paying off for Washington State

Girls Soccer: Mercer Island vs. Glacier Peak
Mercer Island defeats Glacier Peak, 2-1, in a 3A state playoff quarterfinal on Saturday, Nov. 14.
nwjobs

Post a comment

Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
How to tell your office you're gravely ill
Post a comment
nwautos

Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment
- Homeless man, 46, arrested in Greenwood arsons
- KVI talk radio host off the air as of Thursday
- Steve Kelley | ESPN's Bill Simmons gets us: He hates Clay Bennett, too
- Police investigate videotaped arrest
- Seattle U. Men's Hoops | Big recruit goes from Huskies to Redhawks
- Mariners sign Jack Wilson to 2-year contract
- Razor found in muffin an accident, 'mortified' baker says
- Suspect's family shaken by slaying of police officer
- Mountlake Terrace woman reports razor in muffin
- Man says he will protest city's gun ban by carrying gun into community center
- OSU game thread
710 - Seattle man to pack a pistol into community center to protest mayor's ban
358 - Kent man challenges Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels' gun ban
139 - NYC trial for 9/11 suspects poses risks
137 - Band of advocates, activists now McGinn's likely insiders
114 - Belmont game thread
108 - Licata looks at boosting traffic-ticket revenue
90 - Light rail to airport to begin Dec. 19
83 - A politically correct — and dangerous — delicacy about the Fort Hood shooting
70 - Huskies no match for Oregon State, fall 48-21
68
- Light rail to airport to begin Dec. 19
- Homeless man, 46, arrested in Greenwood arsons
- Ivar's undersea billboards a hoax devised as marketing ploy
- Light rail to airport to begin Dec. 19
- Steve Kelley | ESPN's Bill Simmons gets us: He hates Clay Bennett, too
- An 802.11n upgrade could make a big difference
- KVI talk radio host off the air as of Thursday
- Washington in race for federal education funds
- Police investigate videotaped arrest
- Charles Krauthammer / Syndicated columnist | A politically correct — and dangerous — delicacy about the Fort Hood shooting





