0-0 at the end of regulation. Team A scores a field goal, then goes on defense. The offense has the ball and fumbles. The defense muffs the ball and it goes into the pylon.

I have A winning the game 3-2.

Agree or disagree?

disagree, touchback. no new force. 3-0.

REPLY: Joe...I tend to agree with yankeesfan. In my opinion, unless there is a very compelling reason for ruling a new force by B, I would tend to rule that A's force put the ball into the endzone. After all, they put the ball on the ground. I'm giving B the benefit of the doubt on the force issue.

In NCAA, it's different and more clear cut because the ball needs to be at rest before you could rule a new impetus by B in this play. Isn't that correct Jason, Mike, Tom?

Right Bob.
I'd have a hard time putting two points on the board for this one. New impetus (NCAA speaking) can only be applied to a grounded ball at rest.
I've rarely seen fumbles where the ball is just lying there.

I see your points, and well taken. I meant to imply B provided a new force with the muff. We would need to be very careful in applying this rule.

In other words if the fumble was bouncing <i>away</i> from the goal line, then I'm assuming we can say if B changed the direction we would rule safety. If B added to the <i>same direction</i> the bouncing ball was going (toward the goal line) then we would rule touchback.

I have never had this happen (close though) but thought to put this out there.

If it hits the pylon it is OOB.

in the endzone.

4-3-2 When the out-of-bounds spot is between the goal lines, the ball shall be put in play at the inbounds spot unless a forward pass is involved. If the out-of-bounds spot is behind a goal line, it is a safety, field goal or touchback. If the ball touches a pylon, it is out of bounds behind the goal line.