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56m ago

USC Uses Jersey Switch to Hide QB as Punter in Successful Fake Punt

The number change followed college roster protocol, letting the ruse stand as a legal tactic.

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USC wide receiver Tanook Hines catches a fourth-down pass thrown by third-string quarterback Sam Huard on a fake punt during the first half of their game against Northwestern on Friday night at the Coliseum. Huard, not pictured, was wearing the same jersey number (80) as USC punter Sam Johnson, an element of surprise that caught Northwestern off guard. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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Overview

  • Third-string quarterback Sam Huard wore No. 80 and joined the punt unit in the second quarter against Northwestern.
  • Huard completed a 10-yard pass to Tanook Hines on fourth down, and the drive ended with a touchdown run by Jayden Maiava.
  • A USC spokesperson confirmed Huard’s game-day switch to No. 80, the same number as punter Sam Johnson.
  • Television announcers initially credited the throw to Johnson before later clarifying that Huard made the pass.
  • Coverage cited a precedent from Bowling Green’s 68 Ventures Bowl appearance, when a backup quarterback changed numbers to execute a fake-punt touchdown.