USC improved to 7-2 with a win over Northwestern in Week 11, but all college football fans cared about was a controversial fake punt trick play in the second quarter. The Trojans used a jersey number swap to have their backup quarterback line up as a punter, which FOX Sports rules analyst Mike Pereira has since pointed out was an illegal move.

Although two players are allowed to wear the same number in college football, Pereira noted that they cannot play the same position. By having senior quarterback Sam Huard switch from No. 7 to No. 80 — the same number as punter Sam Johnson — USC violated an “unfair tactic” rule , according to Pereira.

“It's in the rulebook,” Pereira said. “Rule 922D under ‘unfair tactics.' Two players playing the same position may not wear the same number durin

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