Did USC break an NCAA rule by switching jersey numbers?
During Saturday's win over Colorado, USC changed Kessler's jersey to No. 35, the same number as punter Kyle Negrete. Kessler was then used on a two-point conversion in the first half. (The try was successful, with Kessler running it in himself, but called back due to holding.) In the second half, reports the Los Angeles Times, Kessler went back to using No. 6.
The NCAA rulebook says the following about swapping jersey numbers: "Numbers shall not be changed during the game to deceive opponents." A team caught doing so will be assessed a 15-yard penalty and "flagrant offenders shall be disqualified."
So that's the rule. Did USC break it? Feel free to argue over whether Lane Kiffin knowingly alternated jerseys so as to confuse Colorado on the two-point try or whether Kessler's jersey change was mere coincidence.
"We change jerseys all the time with our guys," Kiffin said on Tuesday. "We'll change some more this week. Everything's within college rules."
Well, that depends. As noted, changing jerseys during the week prior to a game is certainly within college rules. Changing jersey numbers on the day of a game is a violation. Changing jerseys during a game in an attempt to deceive the opposition comes close to making a mockery of an NCAA rule.
Why this fool wanna waste a violation on Colorado?
During Saturday's win over Colorado, USC changed Kessler's jersey to No. 35, the same number as punter Kyle Negrete. Kessler was then used on a two-point conversion in the first half. (The try was successful, with Kessler running it in himself, but called back due to holding.) In the second half, reports the Los Angeles Times, Kessler went back to using No. 6.
The NCAA rulebook says the following about swapping jersey numbers: "Numbers shall not be changed during the game to deceive opponents." A team caught doing so will be assessed a 15-yard penalty and "flagrant offenders shall be disqualified."
So that's the rule. Did USC break it? Feel free to argue over whether Lane Kiffin knowingly alternated jerseys so as to confuse Colorado on the two-point try or whether Kessler's jersey change was mere coincidence.
"We change jerseys all the time with our guys," Kiffin said on Tuesday. "We'll change some more this week. Everything's within college rules."
Well, that depends. As noted, changing jerseys during the week prior to a game is certainly within college rules. Changing jersey numbers on the day of a game is a violation. Changing jerseys during a game in an attempt to deceive the opposition comes close to making a mockery of an NCAA rule.
Why this fool wanna waste a violation on Colorado?
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