THE CITY OF ANGELS — The University of Southern California, ranked 20th, executed a surprising fake punt play during their 38-17 triumph over Northwestern on Friday evening. They achieved this by deploying their third-string quarterback, Sam Huard, who donned a jersey with the same number as the team’s punter.
Wearing jersey No. 80, Huard entered the playing field alongside the punt team during the second quarter. He successfully completed a 10-yard pass to Tanook Hines, securing a first down. This play prolonged the drive, which ultimately led to Jayden Maiava scoring a touchdown through a run.
This act of deception was, by all accounts, permissible under the rules. Huard had previously worn No. 7 earlier in the season, but his listing on the USC roster for this particular week showed him as No. 80, following a change implemented quietly by Coach Lincoln Riley’s staff.
Sam Johnson, the punter, also wears No. 80. In collegiate football, it is not uncommon for two players on the same team to share a jersey number.
Northwestern’s coach, David Braun, acknowledged Riley and special teams coordinator Ryan Dougherty for their inventive strategy, referring to it as a “learning experience.”
“It was not visible on the online roster. It had not been displayed anywhere else,” Braun stated. “However, they did officially submit the change. It appeared on the game-day roster here at the Coliseum. The lesson I will carry forward is that whenever we arrive at a facility, we will scrutinize everything to identify any potential issues.”
Huard, who is slightly shorter than the 6-foot-3 Johnson, beamed as he exchanged high-fives with his teammates while exiting the field. He was once a highly-rated recruit who commenced his college career at the University of Washington.
“It was simply a well-conceived plan,” Riley commented. “We executed it at the opportune moment, and we had confidence in it. Sam stepped in and delivered a quality throw, even with a defender pressuring him. … We have some innovative minds on our coaching staff.”
Riley mentioned that USC had prepared the play over the past several weeks, modifying Huard’s number in compliance with the regulations. However, the change went unnoticed on the game-day flip card, which contains team rosters and depth charts.
“You all need to pay closer attention,” Riley remarked. “Seriously, it has been on there for three weeks. I am relieved that none of you shared it on social media.”
Bowling Green executed a similar maneuver in the previous season’s 68 Ventures Bowl held in Mobile, Alabama.
Their third-string quarterback, Baron May, altered his uniform number from 8 to 18 prior to the game, making it very similar to punter John Henderson’s No. 19 jersey.
Late in the first quarter, May took the field in place of Henderson and launched a 43-yard touchdown pass to Malcolm Johnson Jr. Nevertheless, Arkansas State ultimately secured a 38-31 victory.
