WATCH: North Carolina receives costly penalty for unusual jersey situation in Holiday Bowl
North Carolina took a very costly penalty during the Holiday Bowl after a same-jersey situation took place on the field during a punt return. After stopping Oregon on third down deep on their own side of the field, North Carolina returner George Pettaway grabbed a new jersey to avoid sharing the same number on the field as Power Echols.
Unfortunately, Pettaway did not report his jersey change to the officials before the play and the Tar Heels were penalized for the mistake — costing them possession of the ball as it gave Oregon a fresh set of downs.
The moment gave way to a hilarious moment for the FOX broadcast team shortly afterwards, as the Tar Heels successfully stopped the Ducks and forced another punt. This time, Pettaway grabbed the same jersey and reported to officials correctly — leading to a shot of him on the sidelines removing the extra jersey while commentators Gus Johnson and Joel Klatt joked that they had no idea who the mystery player on the field was.
“North Carolina just stopped Oregon on third down but got called for a penalty after a player put a different jersey on for a punt return to not have a matching number and failed to tell an official. The penalty gives Oregon a first down,” explained Yahoo Sports College Football.
Pettaway and Echols both wear the No. 23 jersey on offense and defense, but the punting situation and short-handed special teams called for them to be on the field together. Pettaway grabbed a No. 42 jersey — that was far too large for him — and prepared to return the punt without informing the officials.