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USC WR Tanook Hines flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct after NSFW gesture vs. Oregon

ns_headshot_2024-clearby: Nick Schultz3 hours agoNickSchultz_7
USC Trojans wide receiver Tanook Hines (16) runs the ball against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the first half at Notre Dame Stadium
USC Trojans wide receiver Tanook Hines (16) runs the ball against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the first half at Notre Dame Stadium. (Michael Caterina-Imagn Images)

In the second quarter against Oregon, Tanook Hines made a highlight-reel catch for a touchdown. Prior to that, though, he got flagged for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty after an NSFW gesture.

Hines caught his first pass of the day for 40 yards as time ticked away in the first quarter. Afterward, he spun the ball in celebration, but also made a gesture that resulted in a 15-yard penalty. While the first down still counted, it backed USC up 15 yards.

Later, though, the Trojans got the yardage back on a pass interference penalty. After the quarter change, Hines made an incredible catch on a trick play for a touchdown, which brought USC and Oregon to a 14-14 tie.

Tanook Hines has emerged as a key part of the USC passing attack in a talented wide receiver room. He entered Saturday’s Big Ten showdown fourth on the Trojans’ roster with 19 receptions for 226 yards, as well as a touchdown. Through two quarters against Oregon, he had four catches for 86 yards, as well as the highlight-reel touchdown catch on a gadget play.

Saturday’s game between USC and Oregon is shaping up to be a crucial one in the College Football Playoff race. The Ducks enter as the No. 7-ranked team in the country while the Trojans sit at No. 15 – just outside the projected 12-team CFP bracket. USC would be able to improve its chances of making the field with a victory over Oregon at Autzen Stadium.

A loss to the Ducks, though, would effectively take the Trojans out of the race for the CFP. Those stakes are why Urban Meyer said it’s a crucial matchup for Lincoln Riley as he looks to get USC into the bracket for the first time.

“I think this is the most important game. Certainly in Lincoln Riley’s era. Maybe in the last decade for USC,” Meyer said on The Triple Option. “USC is an enigma to me. How the hell could you not be good at USC? USC’s got everything. The tradition. The school. They’ve got everything. Great talent.

“If they win this game, they’re in the College Football Playoff. I’ll say that. They’ll go in. If they lose, they’re obviously out. So, this is a must-win for both teams. I think it’s going to be electric.”