There is a new rule entering the 2024 season that directly addresses Wisconsin’s game-winning touchdown pass to beat Illinois in 2023.
The rule notes that changing a player into a different jersey during the game to complete a tackle-eligible pass is now considered an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
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This is, of course, exactly what Wisconsin did in switching backup left tackle Nolan Rucci from No. 66 to No. 93, then running him out on a swing route to catch the game-winning touchdown pass with 30 seconds left in the game.
Illinois HC Bret Bielema went to X to react to this rule change, posting ‘Isn’t it crazy how rules are emphasized on a yearly basis after a year in review.’
For those who need a refresher, here is the play in question, plus Bielema’s full reaction to the rule change:
He may play LT, but Nolan Rucci sure looked smooth when his number was called.
Watch his game-winner in the final seconds. ⤵️ @nolanrucci x @BadgerFootball pic.twitter.com/nWavxBaMtV
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) October 22, 2023
Isn’t it crazy how rules are emphasized on a yearly basis after a year in review #ILL
🤷♂️🏈🤷♂️ https://t.co/aqNK00IfkJ
— Bret Bielema (@BretBielema) July 9, 2024
We can confidently say that we probably witnessed one of the last instances of a tackle changing his number to catch a touchdown pass. We’ve definitely seen the last one that’s worked without being a 15-yard penalty.
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