Overview
- During the Nov. 7 win, reserve quarterback Sam Huard wore No. 80 — the same as punter Sam Johnson — and completed a 10-yard pass on a fake punt that set up a touchdown.
- In a statement, the Big Ten said the tactic warranted a team unsportsmanlike-conduct penalty of 15 yards and said it will continue reviewing the play with both schools.
- USC coach Lincoln Riley insisted the fake punt was entirely legal and said his staff was fully aware of the rules.
- Northwestern coach David Braun said USC did legally submit Huard’s number change on the game-day roster and acknowledged his team was caught off guard.
- USC posted a parody video featuring Huard and Johnson, while multiple former officials agreed with the Big Ten’s interpretation and the game result stands because no flag was thrown.