Weird Punt Play

[bigwhistle]

Mark,

You said the ball did not travel far because of the wind.
Did it land beyond the neutral zone? This makes all the difference in the world as far as NCAA rules go.

If the ball did not go beyond the neutral zone, and R muffed the ball (can't call it a kick since it did not cross the neutral zone), could pick it up and advance it. However, if K did not make the line to gain, the ball would go over on downs.

If R possessed the ball, ss you stated in your second senerio, then fumbled, K would have a new series.