Overview
- Third-string quarterback Sam Huard, wearing No. 80, entered with USC’s punt unit and completed a 10-yard pass to Tanook Hines, extending a drive that ended in a Jayden Maiava touchdown against Northwestern.
- USC says the maneuver was legal because Huard was officially listed as No. 80 for the game, and coach Lincoln Riley said the change had appeared on game-day rosters for weeks.
- Northwestern coach David Braun confirmed USC legally submitted the number change on site and called missing it a lesson for his staff.
- Fox rules analyst Mike Pereira argued the play violated the rule barring two players at the same position from sharing a number during a game, calling it a live-ball foul that officials rarely detect in real time.
- Former NFL official Terry McAulay urged the Big Ten to address the tactic, and as of Sunday no conference or NCAA sanctions or rule changes have been announced.