USC Quarterback Alters Number for Trick Play in Northwestern Win: Legal Move?
A remarkable play unfolded during the USC Trojans’ 38-17 victory over Northwestern, raising questions about rule compliance in college football.
Analyzing the Trick Play
In the second quarter, with the game tied at 7-7 and 14:27 remaining, USC faced a crucial fourth-and-6 at their own 46-yard line. A player donned in a No. 80 jersey appeared ready to punt, but instead, he executed a pass to freshman wide receiver Tanook Hines, achieving a 10-yard gain and keeping the drive alive.
This pivotal moment allowed USC to score a touchdown, putting them ahead for the remainder of the game. Interestingly, the player who completed the pass was third-string quarterback Sam Huard, not the team’s regular punter Sam Johnson, who usually wears the No. 80 jersey.
Legal Number Change Before the Game
Prior to the matchup, USC’s coaching staff registered a legal number change, allowing Huard to wear No. 80, although he had previously appeared in games wearing No. 7. This decision sparked speculation regarding its legality under NCAA rules.
Northwestern head coach David Braun addressed the situation post-game, indicating that the number change wasn’t reflected sufficiently in the digital roster available to his team. He noted the importance of thorough preparation moving forward.
Potential Rule Violation
Mike Pereira, an analyst for Fox Sports, argued that the trick play was illegal. Under NCAA regulations, players in the same position cannot wear the same number during a game. Since both Huard and Johnson were listed as punters, this might have prompted a 15-yard penalty.
Pereira commented on the challenge officials face in recognizing players without names on their uniforms, complicating the enforcement of such rules.
Historical Context and Similar Plays
This is not the first instance of a trick play involving jersey number changes. Last season, Bowling Green executed a similar maneuver that confounded officials. In that game, a third-string quarterback altered his number to mislead the defense, successfully throwing a touchdown pass.
The Background of Sam Huard
Sam Huard’s journey to USC has been noteworthy. A highly regarded five-star recruit in 2021, he began his college career at Washington but faced competition for the starting role. After a season at Cal Poly and a year at Utah, he joined USC, where he is now the third-string quarterback behind Jayden Maiava and Husan Longstreet.
The trick play during the game marked Huard’s first completion of the season and his first since November 2023. His family legacy in football spans generations, with his father, Damon Huard, previously playing in the NFL.
Conclusion
This trick play reveals the complexities of NCAA rules surrounding player identification and numbering. While USC’s execution of the fake punt showcased creativity, it also highlights the potential for controversy within college football’s regulatory framework.
