'You're doing nothing illegal': How coaches find and use rule loopholes

Oregon coach Dan Lanning confirms that the Ducks ' 12 -man penalty vs. Ohio State was on purpose.

A Power 4 assistant who saw the play texted Lanning: Be honest, did you do that on purpose? "He sent me back a wink emoji ," the assistant said.

A new NCAA rules interpretation was closed by a new rule interpretation on how to handle 12 -men penalties.

In a 2017 game featuring Cal and North Carolina , Cal led 35-24 with 17 seconds left and UNC at the Bears' 12 -yard line.

North Carolina ended up scoring but no time remained and Cal had a 35 -30 win.

The NCAA announced a rules interpretation that would allow officials to assess unsportsmanlike conduct penalties.

Special teams can provide the platform for loophole-seeking opportunities, as well as key changes.

Pitt quarterback Kenny Pickett had college football buzzing when he faked a slide, only to freeze Wake Forest defenders, and then sprinted for a 58 -yard touchdown.

Penn State coach Joe Paterno was so upset that he refused to do an on-air halftime interview.