Wisconsin’s game-winning touchdown pass vs. Illinois is now a penalty, and Bret Bielema is not pleased
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.
Related: 10 developing opinions entering year two of the Luke Fickell era at Wisconsin
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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