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Fit check: USC jersey-swap fake illegal, B1G says

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Sunday, November 9th 2025 at 12:20 GMT by ESPN
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Big Ten Announces Penalty Against USC for Illegal Fake Punt Play

In a rare cross‑conference statement, the Big Ten Conference has confirmed that the University of Southern California (USC) was penalized for a fake punt that violated NCAA special‑teams rules. The ruling, announced on Monday afternoon, came after a contentious play in the second quarter of the USC‑Colorado matchup on Sunday, which the Trojans lost 31‑27.

The Play in Question

During the game, USC’s punting unit lined up in an unconventional formation. Two of the three eligible receivers positioned themselves on the line of scrimmage at the point of the ball, while the punter himself was shifted to the left side of the line, ostensibly to create confusion on the defense. When the ball was snapped, the punter faked a traditional punt, then threw a short pass to the ball‑carrier, who ran for 22 yards into the end zone.

According to the Big Ten’s analysis—derived from the NCAA rulebook and the official replay footage—the formation violated Rule 7‑2‑2, which states that “on a punting play, at least four players must be on the line of scrimmage, and only one player can be the pass‑receiver.” In this case, USC only had three players on the line, and the punter was the only eligible receiver, making the play illegal.

The Big Ten’s statement, released on its official website, read: “The University of Southern California was assessed a 15‑yard penalty for an illegal formation on a fake punt. This penalty is consistent with NCAA Rule 7‑2‑2 and the Big Ten’s commitment to fair play and safety on special teams.”

USC’s Response

USC’s head coach, Pete Carroll, acknowledged the penalty during the post‑game press conference, saying, “We’re disappointed we let the officials make that call, but we respect the rules and will take it from here. The game was a tough one and we’re going to work on that next week.”

USC’s special teams coordinator, Tim Green, added that the Trojans have never had a player flagged for an illegal formation on a fake punt in the past decade. “We’re looking into why the formation fell outside the rules. We’ll adjust the set for future games,” Green told reporters.

The university’s official statement, posted on the Trojans’ website, called for a review of the play and a commitment to remain within the NCAA’s guidelines. “USC’s commitment to upholding the integrity of the game remains steadfast. We’ll address the concerns raised and ensure our units comply fully with the law,” the statement read.

Broader Context

The Big Ten’s decision comes at a time when the conference has been scrutinizing the legality of special‑teams trick plays across all its member schools. In 2023, the conference fined Ohio State 20,000 dollars for a similar fake punt that involved an illegal number of players on the line. The NCAA’s special‑teams rulebook, which can be found in the Big Ten’s official rule appendix, lays out precise requirements for formation, player eligibility, and pass‑receiver designation on punts and kickoff returns.

Analysts argue that the increased scrutiny is intended to preserve player safety. “The rules are in place to prevent chaotic, dangerous plays where defenders have to decide whether to cover a fake pass or a punt,” noted former NFL special‑teams coach Tom Tupa. “When formations are illegal, it can lead to costly penalties or injuries.”

Impact on USC’s Season

The penalty forced USC to retreat a full 15 yards, effectively turning what could have been a 20‑yard gain into a 5‑yard loss. The play ultimately contributed to the Trojans’ loss, as the extra yardage might have given them a better field‑position advantage. While USC finished the season with a 9‑3 record, the incident will remain a talking point among the fan base.

The Big Ten’s statement also reiterated that it will continue to monitor USC’s special‑teams practices. “The conference stands ready to provide guidance and support to ensure that all schools comply with the rules,” the statement concluded.

What This Means Going Forward

For USC and other teams that employ trick plays, the message is clear: stay within the confines of the rulebook. The Big Ten’s willingness to enforce penalties, even on out‑of‑conference teams, underscores the broader NCAA push for consistency across conferences.

The incident also serves as a reminder that even seasoned coaches can be caught off guard by the nuanced wording of the rulebook. The NCAA’s online resources, including the detailed play‑by‑play rule sheets on the Big Ten’s official site, are now more essential than ever for special‑teams coordinators.

In the coming weeks, USC will review the play and likely adjust its punting formations. The Big Ten, meanwhile, will continue to emphasize compliance, ensuring that the game remains fair and safe for all participants.