Fumble Thru End Zone-Touchback

[parepat]

I was recently yelled at by a less intelligent sibling (ie coach) who saw the ball fumbled thru the end zone in the Miami/NC State game. He ranted that it (touchback) was a stupid rule and the the offense shouldn't lose the ball in that situation.

I said that if you lose the ball out of your own end zone you don't get to keep the ball. The same logic should apply.

Putting aside for the time being that we don't have to defend the rules, just apply them, I ask this question.

Does anyone know the theory behind this rule or the type of acts that it is supposed to prevent?