However, while it is true that B gained possession of the ball in their endzone, the ball did not become dead there in B's possession. The final result of the play was not a touchback, rather, the fumble rolled out of bounds at B's 3 yard line. Therefore I believe A's facemask foul should be enforced from the goal line.
In order for a touchback to be ruled I believe these 3 requirements have to be met: 1. A's pass forced the ball into B's end zone. 2. B intercepts the pass in the end zone. and 3. The ball becomes dead there in B's possession.
Here is a similar play at the other end of the field: A's ball 1st and 10 at their 2 yard line. A1 drops back into his end zone and gets tackled by B1 who grasps and twists A1's face mask. Since the result of the play is safety (A forced the ball into their own end zone), A will probably accept the penalty that will be enforced from the goal line. The result would be the same if A1 fumbled the ball into the field of play because A1's run ended in the end zone.
Looking forward to hashing and rehashing these plays!
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Mike Simonds
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