Big Ten says USC should’ve been penalized for fake punt ploy

The Big Ten says USC should have been penalized after having reserve quarterback Sam Huard wear the same jersey number as primary punter Sam Johnson to successfully execute a fake punt pass in Friday’s win against Northwestern.

Early in the second quarter, USC faced fourth-and-6 and lined up in punt formation. Huard, the team’s third-string quarterback, took the field wearing No. 80, which is also Johnson’s number, and positioned himself as the punter. Huard took the long snap and completed a 10-yard pass to Tanook Hines. USC went on to score a touchdown and take a 14-7 lead, eventually winning 38-17.

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Both Huard and Johnson were listed with No. 80 on USC’s game-day roster, but Huard appears as No. 7 on the team’s online roster and in the game notes for the Northwestern contest. Most college teams have multiple players with the same jersey number, but often they play on different units (offense/defense). USC does not have players’ last names on the backs of its jersey, which could have helped the officials and Northwestern delineate between Huard and Johnson.

Northwestern coach David Braun took responsibility for the play, saying USC “did legally submit that” and that “it 100 percent falls on me.”

But the Big Ten on Sunday cited an NCAA rule under “Unfair Tactics” that reads: “Two players playing the same position may not wear the same number during the game.”

“If a foul was identified when #80 (Johnson) entered the game as a punter, a Team Unsportsmanlike Conduct penalty would have been assessed resulting in a 15-yard penalty from the previous spot,” the league’s statement reads. “The Big Ten will continue to review the situation with both institutions.”

Because Huard’s fake was the Trojans’ first punt attempt of the day, the penalty actually would have been assessed when Johnson punted the ball away with 57 seconds remaining in the first half.

USC coach Lincoln Riley said the team made Huard’s number change several weeks ago and joked with reporters following the Northwestern game: “You guys [have] got to pay attention. … I’m glad none of you all put it on Twitter.”