USC trolls with 'This is SportsCenter' moment, pokes fun at fake punt

Jeff Hauser

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USC trolls with 'This is SportsCenter' moment, pokes fun at fake punt image

USC's football social media team turned a controversial moment into a viral hit this week, poking fun at a bizarre jersey shuffle that drew criticism from Big Ten officials following the Trojans’ win over Northwestern.

The incident stemmed from a fake punt called by coach Lincoln Riley, in which backup quarterback Sam Huard wore the same No. 80 jersey as punter Sam Johnson. 

From faking It to making it. The play worked to perfection, with Huard throwing a first-down pass to extend a USC scoring drive. But after review, the Big Ten ruled the play should have been penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct, citing the duplication of jersey numbers to deceive Northwestern. 

Rather than stay silent amid the scrutiny, USC leaned into the moment. The Trojans’ official social media account released a video parodying ESPN’s classic “This is SportsCenter” commercials. In the skit, both Sams meet at a cafe counter where a barista calls out an order for “Sam, number 80.” Both players reach for the same coffee cup, pause, then glance at each other before playfully arguing over whose order it is.

The video quickly gained traction online, with fans applauding USC for embracing the play call. Huard, the son of former NFL quarterback Damon Huard, transferred to USC from Utah after beginning his career at Washington. 

While the Big Ten may not have found the moment funny, the Trojans’ clever social response showed they’re more than willing to have fun with it all. 

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Senior Editor