Overview
- Wearing No. 80 with the punt unit, third-string quarterback Sam Huard completed a 10-yard pass to Tanook Hines on fourth-and-6 during USC’s 38-17 win over Northwestern.
- USC confirmed Huard’s game-day number switch, and Northwestern coach David Braun said the change was legally submitted and appeared on the physical roster at the Coliseum.
- Coach Lincoln Riley said the plan had been in place for weeks, and the extended drive ended with a Jayden Maiava touchdown.
- College rules allow duplicate numbers, but Fox rules analyst Mike Pereira said the play warranted a 15-yard penalty for two players effectively occupying the punter’s position, while former NFL official Terry McAulay urged the Big Ten to respond forcefully.
- Coverage noted Bowling Green used a similar tactic last season, and as of Saturday there was no Big Ten or NCAA penalty or announced rule change.