Lincoln Riley says fake punt was ‘entirely legal’ after Big Ten rebuke
USC coach Lincoln Riley insists the Trojans’ fake punt against NW was perfectly legal. (Eric Thayer/LAT)
Ryan Kartje (LA Times) — Lincoln Riley isn’t backing down from his belief that the fake punt ploy USC pulled last Friday in its win over Northwestern was perfectly within NCAA rules.
“The fake punt was entirely legal,” Riley said on Tuesday. “Our guys did a fantastic job of executing it. And there’s not really a whole lot else to say.”
The play in question from Friday’s game appeared to be a normal fake punt, with USC and Northwestern locked at 7 apiece, early in the second quarter. But unbeknownst to Northwestern, USC third-string quarterback Sam Huard lined up as the punter, wearing the same uniform number as Sam Johnson, the Trojans’ usual starting punter. Huard, who quietly changed to No. 80 weeks earlier, hit freshman receiver Tanook Hines (16) for ten yards and a first down, and USC went on to score.
“It was just a well thought out thing by several of our staff members who were involved in it,” Riley said after the game. “Cool to see the guys execute it, we had a lot of confidence going into the game. I know there’s been a bunch of stuff on the outside about it. It was a perfectly legal play.”
The next morning, the Big Ten Conference made it clear that it didn’t see it that way.
In a statement, the conference pointed to NCAA Football Playing Rule 9, Section 2, Article 2, labeled “Unfair Tactics,” which states that “two players playing the same position may not wear the same number during the game.”
But it also notes that any unsportsmanlike conduct penalty would have applied when Johnson, the actual punter, came out to punt on the ensuing drive.
Northwestern coach David Braun took the blame afterward for missing Huard’s number change. Though, USC hadn’t changed the number on its online roster or in its weekly game notes.
“The lesson I’ve learned for the rest of my career,” Braun said, “is when we arrive at a facility, we will go over that with a fine-toothed comb and look for any of those potential issues.”
Most former officials and football rules analysts have agreed with the Big Ten’s interpretation. Terry McAuley, an NBC analyst and former official, posted on social media that USC “obviously violated the rules,” before venting his frustration about USC “fans twisting themselves in knots defending their team.”
“Those trying to explain that USC #80 was not a play in the position of a punter has been something to behold,” McAuley wrote. “At best they are being incredibly pedantic. At worst, intentionally daft.”
Riley clearly feels differently.
“I do have thoughts. We’re very aware of the rules,” he said.
latimes.com
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I somehow came across this awesome Oct 1, 1976 photo of President Gerald Ford (who played ball at MICH as an OC/LB during ’32-34) wearing a USC jacket just presented to him by Trojan RB Ricky Bell during the president’s midday appearance before the USC student body, with USC President John Hubbard, a big Trojan football fan, looking on.
I remember that event. Quite an eye opening experience for this Trojan in his first semester at college.
Rick Neuheisel bashes Notre Dame; Colin Cowherd takes down their schedule Neuheisel questions why ND sits at #9 despite losing to MIA and A&M while playing kind of a half ACC schedule. “That’s the power of Notre Dame. It’s a monster brad and that’s why it resonates.” Colin Cowherd — “This is why I have said Notre Dame wants to play USC so desperately. When they lose an early season game, they have to pray they are getting USC, or they have no quality wins. Look at Notre Dame right now and take USC out of it. Without USC, your… Read more »
Rece Davis picks winner of Iowa-USC’s Week 12 game Matt De Lima (si.com) — The USC Trojans return home for Week 12 with momentum after their win over NW, and the scene now shifts toward a matchup with the IOWA Hawkeyes. USC HC Lincoln Riley has watched QB Jayden Maiava guide an offense averaging more than 500 yds per game while WR Makai Lemon continues to push past defenses with steady production. IOWA HC Kirk Ferentz brings in one of the nation’s most consistent defensive units, creating a clear contrast between USC’s explosiveness and Iowa’s discipline. IOWA arrives following… Read more »
Joel Klatt on IOWA at USC: “Even though USC plays at home, and they’ll play better there, this is a bad matchup for USC. The IOWA defense is specifically suited to take a team like USC and frustrate them because they won’t be able to get chunk plays. They’ve got levels of defense — tips and overthrows usually end up in the hands of the defender. That’s how they turn the ball over, creating short fields. “IOWA’s gonna run the absolute crap out of the football. They’re gonna say, ‘Hey USC. Can you stop us?’ They’re gonna run, and run,… Read more »
Ouch! I hope this dude is wrong.
I would normally say the same but watching Iowa play Oregon the week before I saw a punishing running game where even the linemen get behind the ball carrier and continues pushing him until he finally goes down in tackles. They mauled Oregon running the ball! USC must do what the Ducks did, with pass plays and if the score is close at the end of the game, Riley better have managed to get the ball back the last minute or two of the game to win on a last score. It’s going to rain hard Saturday so slippery feet… Read more »
This is a fantastic opportunity for LR to show he can beat a tough team in a crucial situation. Take advantage of it Riley! This is what you were always paid to do.
Beat the Hawkeyes, and this season has been a success, assuming we beat UCLA. Lose to the Hawkeyes, and we’re down to a disappointing 7-3 with a likely loss to ORE coming up.
I really think that Joe Klatt has stumbled onto the truth. My heart says USC. My logic says Iowa.
Gonna be a great game I think. Can USC figure out a way to stop the freakin’ run? What would you do if you were D’Anton Lynn? Can we put together either the muscle, the scheme, or both to limit the Hawkeyes on the ground? With ND running for 306 yds on us, we’re a team that’s haunted by that debacle. Can’t wait to see what USC fires up to stop IOWA. Hopefully, we show that USC has developed into a team that can count on its D to at least somewhat handle the run in a tough, physical game.… Read more »
It would be a great win even if we lose to Oregon(but play well). I remember the Cal game back in 2002 when we came from behind and won 30-28. That was the 6th game of the year. That was the beginning.They outscored the next 3 opponents 134-71. Going into that 10th game I was already convinced that SC would soon win a NC. At that point there wasn’t a team in the country that wanted to get on the field with SC.I agree with everything you just said. I guess I just haven’t bought into this LR team in… Read more »
I’m surprised USC is favored by 6.5 points. But that’s what the public is buying into.
I’d be interested in how I would be viewing this USC/IOWA game if I were actually a UCLA fan and had no ties to USC.
It’s USC’s tantalizing explosiveness vs IOWA’s discipline and perceived greater toughness.
I’ll sure be glad when USC is once again viewed as a team that will knock you silly and control the LOS. Are we even headed there? I’m not too sure about that actually.
amen
I think most of us had Klatt’s view in our heads already, although my heart says we’ve got a chance at home. We’ve seen this storyline before. We face a daunting physical top defense with either run stop cred or pass defense cred or a little of both. The pundits bring up LR’s productive high octane offense, featuring this years unstoppable receivers, along with a running attack that’s highly respectable, at times incredible ( mostly against our softer opponents but not always). Coin toss: win or lose, heads or tails, we get first possession First series against this power defense… Read more »
I’m such a huge King Miller fan. I honestly think he’s the best walk-on college player in the country. I have no good comparison info for sure, but Miller reminds me a little of Ricky Bell when he got started, for lack of a better comparison. Good power, vision, toughness and decent speed – though not quite as fast as Ricky. But for now, KM checks all my boxes. He’s our secret weapon, though he’s not much of a secret anymore, for sure. NEV, SJS and PORT ST were his only offers coming out of HS. Here’s Ricky, who was… Read more »
My dad got one of those SC practice jerseys, somehow. I treasured that jersey and always wore it when we did walk through practice on Thursdays during high school football.
Gator and I will be in the rain drenched stands with you, Fanatic. Let’s root our guys on!
Rain?! Seat Geek told me my seat is on the sunny side.
The sunsine will be in liquid form. 😄
Can’t wait. Drenched or not we’ll support the kids. Have a fun time gents !
Load the box.
Now in season two with the Bears and Caleb definitely starts to really catch on to how to successfully play QB in the NFL because new coach Ben Johnson has forced him to play within Johnson’s system and stop running backwards, taking all those huge sacks.
While Caleb’s passer rating is barely improved over last year, his sacks have dropped from a ridiculously bad 68 to only 14, and now the Bears are 6-3, usually win close games, and are tied with Detroit (Johnson’s old team) for the lead in the NFC North.
#!##!!! Damn, all we needed, Saturday! RAIN Rain RAIN in LA, says The Vernon station, South Central LA!!! I would leave LA if I could ever find the edge. I’m just xxxxing with ya…I left many years ago; it was either that or jail time.
Who are three IOWA offensive players USC fans should watch and why? Tom Kakert, publisher of On3 IOWA site Hawkeye Report: “On offense I would start with QB Mark Gronowski. He is the straw that stirs the drink for the Hawkeyes on that side of the ball. He’s sort of a Tim Tebow-like runner with the football, more power and flash, but he did have a 68-yard run against Penn State. “Next player I would feature is WR/return specialist Kaden Wetjen. He’s also their punt and kickoff return man. But he is also probably their most explosive player on offense too. They try… Read more »
America stopped minting pennies today. It’s about time since it was costing 4 cents to make every penny. Will there be a massive influx of penny hoarders now? Or will people try to convert every penny they have to cash? Or will they be like me, do nothing? A nickel for your thoughts …
Judge denies Rose Bowl TRO blocking UCLA from SoFi Stadium deal Ben Bolch (LA Times) — A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge on Wednesday denied a request from the Rose Bowl Operating Co. and the City of Pasadena seeking a temporary restraining order in their attempt to keep UCLA football games at the Rose Bowl, saying those entities had not demonstrated an emergency that would necessitate such an action. Judge James C. Chalfant said previous cases in which the New York Yankees, New York Jets and Minnesota Twins were barred from moving games did not apply to this situation because those teams were… Read more »
I hope that judge didn’t attend ucla Law….
The judge was probably right. Getting a TRO requires a genuine emergency where immediate action to stop the harm is required. As the judge pointed out, UCLA only has one more home game at home this season — Nov 22 vs the Huskies. So the 2026 season becomes the real focal point for complaint, and a full-on preliminary junction hearing and remedy can be better used to address the Rose Bowl’s goals to stop the damage during their lawsuit.
I think he was right. Chalfant is a very tough, very smart judge who handles TRO and preliminary injunction requests every day. If you want a TRO from him you have to prove to him why you can’t wait three weeks for an order stopping the defendant from doing what it threatens to do. UCLA is not threatening to move any of its 2025 games to Sofi, so where’s the need for a TRO? Essentially, the judge invited Pasadena to come back and ask for a preliminary injunction. I haven’t seen the contracts between UCLA and the Rose Bowl, but… Read more »
All this legal talk by a gang of lawyers is very interesting to this rocket scientist. It’s like you’re speaking a different language. 😅
“Gang of Lawyers”. Good description of a group many wish were at the “bottom of the sea” and not nearly as well-regarded as “Band of Brothers.”
I think it would be very cool to have a “rocket scientist” brain. I can’t imagine…
It takes all types to make the world work. Lots of common traits: detail oriented, precision, thoroughness, considers all the angles…oh yes, and often verbosity.
My favorite comedic sketch of all time.
“It’s not exactly brain surgery, is it?” Well done.
Oof. That hurts.
I pride myself on being able to write using language that’s clear even to a rocket scientist.
🤣 touche!
Recruiting Visitor List for Iowa Game (11/15) 2026 USC SAF Commit Madden Riordan – Sierra Canyon HS, CA 2026 USC RB Commit Shahn Alston – Harvey HS, OH 2026 USC WR Commit Luc Weaver – Notre Dame HS, CA 2026 USC WR Commit Ja’Myron “Tron” Baker – Sierra Canyon HS, CA 2026 USC OL Commit Kannon Smith – Valor Christian HS, CO 2026 USC TE Commit Josiah Jefferson – Southwestern JuCo, CA 2026 TE Commit Mark Bowman – Mater Dei HS, CA 2026 USC DL Commit Jaimeon Winfield – Richardson HS, TX 2026 USC Edge Commit Luke Wafle – Hun School, NJ 2026 USC DL Commit TomTom Topui – Mater Dei HS, CA 2026 USC Edge Commit Simote Katoanga – Santa Margarita HS, CA 2026 USC Edge Commit Andrew Williams – Fremont HS, CA 2026… Read more »
Inside College Football (CBS Sports Network) predictions. This game will show whether USC “has really turned the corner” per everyone: Brian Jones — USC (This is a huge moment for this USC football team, and especially D’Anton’s’ D. ND showed the way to beat USC. Run it. But USC is at home. IOWA’s offense is a one-trick pony. USC has to approach this as though it is a season-saving game for USC) Rick Neuheisel — USC (The Trojans play great and are comfortable at home. They ran for 224 yds vs MICH and their offense is too high-flying) Aaron Jones… Read more »
Now, USC gets the benefit of playing on last Friday. Some Trojans made a big deal of USC having to play vs NW on a short week at the Coliseum. Even Lincoln Riley complained, at least publicly. However, I watched LR’s locker room speech (video taken by a friend in the room) to the team immediately after beating NW, and he was singing a different tune entirely — a great example of what goes on behind the scenes that we don’t always see. Well, it works both ways. USC now has a valuable extra day of rest to prepare for IOWA on… Read more »
Trick play or not, seems every team has at least 1-fancy play they use during a game. They all do it. Seems the BIG got their noses bent that the nation saw one of their believed 3-yards and a cloud of dust antiques got fooled as well as their refs. But this is old news by now. What I want to see is the violence we were told this team would show on the field. I’m still waiting to see it!
It seems that some are overlooking the real point here. Does SC now have to resort to trick (maybe illegal) plays in order to win a football game? Is that where we are with LR and the once mighty SC football program?
Does anyone remember a famous John Mackay comment when he stated that he would send any opponent the full SC play book and then dare them to try and stop us! Compare that with LR’s lame approach to try and scratch out a winning season…
This is not the USC teams of ’62 or ’72. When you are stronger and faster than everybody else it is simple. Just run over them! Trick plays are either clever when they work or stupid when they fail. I think it’s fun, keeps the opponent guessing. Seems like LR calls one or two per game, at least lately. Probably not a good idea in the slop that will be this Saturday.
Your take on “trick plays” isn’t necessarily true at all, at least not based on my observations. You even originally refused to criticize LR for making his ridiculously bad call vs ND, immediately ending most any chance USC had of winning the game, even though it was universally panned and brutalized by both the media and fans. Even Riley himself owned up to his “stupid call” once he was faced with no other alternative. But there are plenty of “trick plays” that are actually excellent ideas or tactics and aren’t stupid at all just because they don’t work. For example,… Read more »
Guess we just have to disagree brother. As far as the ND play, Riley took the heat for his two star players. Good for him, something he rarely does. I would put the fault to some degree on all three. A questionable call by Riley based on the game situation and weather. Maiava seeing the defense could have changed it up. Lemon lost the handle trying to either throw to someone or out of bounds instead of taking the tackle for loss. That’s the nature of trick plays, they can change a game one way or the other. If Huard… Read more »
Here’s what you said on 10/20 GT, finally admitting my position that Riley had called a stupid play because it couldn’t be executed properly by Lemon. “Good post Allen and good call by Kartje. You win on our banter yesterday about Riley. The first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem. A good coach calls plays his players can execute. Riley is banned from the Curt Cignetti “make the most with less” Coaches Room. He’s knocking on the door of the James Franklin “doing the least with most” Coaches Room.” You were right back on 10/20. I remember… Read more »
It’s always nice to have those tricks in the bag
Trick plays are part of the game. ND ran an onside kick against USC while well ahead of SC, because they knew it would work. USC’s quarterback dropped back in victory formation and did a curtsy before lobbing a touchdown pass against Ucla(and they’re still angry about it)
All part of the game.
I’m all for trick plays. My fave of all time is the miraculous hook-and ladder, followed the the statue of liberty that BOISE ST pulled off in 2007 to beat OU in the Fiesta Bowl. Pure magic!
Here’s A Thought, Rick Neuheisel: Don’t Call a Timeout! 😂 😂
I assume the refs didn’t realize that two different guys wore 80. Couldn’t have Riley avoided the issue by informing the refs that Johnson is now wearing 80 and it would have been announced? How much fun would it be if the play had helped beat Oregon instead of NW? Moving on, heavy rain predicted for Friday and Saturday! Could be a sloppy Coli by Saturday afternoon.
P.S. Good reason to keep names off USC jerseys.
I made this point on Facebook the other day that the trick plays are the reason we don’t have names in jerseys. And a lady berated me for being so dense as to believe myself.
The football world is still jealous of USC, even after nearly 20 years of the wilderness. There are a bunch of male Karen’s at B1G headquarters and in sports media. Suck it Karen’s!
AWARDS WATCH 1) RB King Miller was named one of 10 semifinalists for the Burlsworth Trophy on Tuesday, making him a contender to be named the most outstanding player in college football who began his career as a walk-on. He’s one of two Big Ten players to be considered for the award, alongside Oregon LB Bryce Boettcher. Miller, who prepped at Calabasas High, has rushed for 636 yds and five TDs on 80 attempts, making him the most important part of USC’s running game after starting RBs Waymond Jordan and Eli Sanders both suffered injuries. 2) Receiver Makai Lemon was… Read more »
There is quite a story about the player for whom the Burlsworth trophy is named. I read it a couple of ago. Y’all should look it up.
There’s a whole movie on that story
I did not know that. You still have the human element in college football—emotion, family, and there are a few kids on the field that know that college football will be the last days of their football career.
Pro ball is corporate sterile and boring because the execs strive for parity. JMO