Big Ten says USC should’ve been penalized for fake punt ploy

Big Ten said usc Should have been penalized after being the reserve quarterback Sam Huard Wear the same jersey number as the primary punter Sam Johnson and successfully executed a fake punt pass in Friday’s win Northwestern,

Early in the second quarter, USC faced fourth-and-6 and lined up in punt formation. Huard, the team’s third-string quarterback, took the field wearing number 80, which is also Johnson’s number, and positioned himself as the punter. Huard took the long snap and then completed a 10-yard pass. Tanook HinesUSC scored a touchdown and took a 14–7 lead, eventually winning 38–17.

Both Huard and Johnson were listed with number 80 on USC’s game-day roster, but Huard appears as number 7 on the team’s online roster and game notes from Northwestern’s contest. Most college teams have multiple players with the same jersey number, but often play on different units (offense/defense). USC’s jerseys do not have players’ last names on the backs, which could have helped officials and Northwestern distinguish between Huard and Johnson.

Northwestern coach David Braun took responsibility for the game, saying that USC “legally submitted this” and “it’s 100 percent on me.”

But the Big Ten cited an NCAA rule under “Unfair Tactics” that reads: “Two players playing the same position may not wear the same number during a game.”

“If a foul is identified when #80 (Johnson) entered the game as a punter, a team unsportsmanlike conduct penalty will be assessed, resulting in a 15-yard penalty from the last spot,” the league statement said. “The Big Ten will continue to review the situation with both institutions.”

USC coach Lincoln Riley said the team had changed Huard’s number several weeks earlier and joked to reporters after the Northwestern game: “You guys [have] Have to pay attention. …I’m glad none of you put this on Twitter.”