Ilegal Forward Pass or not ??

[Bob M.]

Originally posted by Middleman

...I am assuming that by "forward to B-74" Mr. ares meant "toward the goal line being defended by Team A."

Since the ball was still in Team A possession at the time of the bat by B-94, would not that bat be considered backward, not forward? Therefore it would have been legal under both codes and B gets to keep the ball at A's 39? Or is the "forward" direction of the bat established by the player who batted the fumble, not the team in possession?

Just curious.

REPLY: The NCAA code actually defines (in rule 2) the terms "forward" and "backward." 2-8-1 says, "ARTICLE 1. Forward, beyond or in advance of, as related to either team, denotes direction toward the opponent’s end line. Converse terms are backward or behind." So ares' comment above is right on the mark.