Big Ten Concedes USC Should have Been Flagged for Number Violation During Fake Punt
The Big Ten Conference has determined that USC violated an NCAA rule regarding uniform numbers during a trick play in its 38-17 victory over Northwestern on November 4th. The play involved USC quarterback Sam Huard, listed as No. 7 on the team’s official roster, taking the field wearing No. 80 – the same number as Trojans wide receiver Mario Johnson - and completing a 10-yard pass on a fake punt.
The conference cited an NCAA rule prohibiting two players in the same position from wearing the same number during a game. while no penalty was assessed during the play, the Big Ten stated that a 15-yard “Team Unsportsmanlike Conduct” penalty should have been enforced had the violation been identified when Johnson later punted with 57 seconds left in the first half.
USC coach Lincoln Riley revealed the team had intentionally changed Huard’s number several weeks prior to the game. Northwestern coach David braun accepted responsibility, stating USC “did legally submit that” number change. However, the Big Ten is continuing to review the situation with both institutions.
The lack of last names on the back of USC jerseys contributed to the confusion, officials noted. The Trojans scored a touchdown following the successful fake punt, extending their lead to 14-7.
