NCAA When does a scrimmage kick end

[Rich Ives]

Same play happened in a HS game in my neck of the woods many years ago. Two local powerhouse teams. On a punt the ball was touched but not possessed. Kicking team started off the field. Receiving team picked up the ball and ran for a TD. (Receiving team player checked in with the referee to let him know the were going to try it.)

From what I've read in follow-up articles, the Memphis play was by rule correct, but the officials blew it as one on them was signaling "time" but hadn't blown his whistle.