Overview
- Third-string quarterback Sam Huard wore No. 80 to match punter Sam Johnson, lined up with the punt team, and hit Tanook Hines for 10 yards to extend a drive that ended in a touchdown during USC’s 38-17 win over Northwestern.
- In a Sunday statement, the Big Ten said the maneuver should have resulted in a team unsportsmanlike conduct penalty under NCAA Rule 9-2-2-d, which bars two players at the same position from wearing the same number in a game.
- No flag was thrown on the field, so the play stands and the game result remains unchanged as the conference continues its review with both schools.
- USC confirmed Huard’s pregame switch to No. 80, and coach Lincoln Riley said the plan had been in place for weeks as part of the Trojans’ preparation.
- FOX rules analyst Mike Pereira said the alignment was a live-ball foul because Huard effectively played the punter position, noting such deception is difficult for officials to detect in real time.