Last Second Scoring

[agentorange]

Would be interested to know what the rule on the following situation in the NFL and College is:

Team A is down by 5 points there is 0:01 on the clock. Team A scores a TD to take a 1 point lead as time expires. Does Team A have to attempt the try?

I've seen highlights where a team scores to go up by 1 and rushes off the field but it seems to me like they should have to attempt the try which would give the defense a chance to score (at least in NCAA I believe the play is dead in the NFL if the D gets the ball).

I know that if a team is down by 6 and they score they can attempt the try to tie the game. But are they forced to do so?

Any input would be appreciated.

[ljudge]

In NCAA team A must run the try. It's possible for B to get the ball and score two points which means the try could affect the outcome of the game. If team A went up by two they would still have to run the try as team B could potentially tie the game with a turnover and return for a score.

[agentorange]

Originally Posted by ljudge

In NCAA team A must run the try. It's possible for B to get the ball and score two points which means the try could affect the outcome of the game. If team A went up by two they would still have to run the try as team B could potentially tie the game with a turnover and return for a score.

Can you tell me what the rule is? Is it a new rule?

ESPN - Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Michigan Wolverines Play-by-Play, October 15 2005 - NCAA College Football

The above link is to the 2005 Michigan PSU game. Michigan down by 4 with 1 seconds left throws a TD pass to go up 27-25. This is the last play of the game. If you look at other scores ESPN calls out the extra point attempts as plays.

I remember watching this game. Michigan scored and the fans rushed the field and the game ended (PSU was undefeated #6 at the time). They did not kick the extra point.

At the time I didn't think anything of it but after seeing a few more games where this happened me and a friend started talking about the rule and want to try and get it answered.

[Theisey]

Originally Posted by agentorange

Can you tell me what the rule is? Is it a new rule?

ESPN - Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Michigan Wolverines Play-by-Play, October 15 2005 - NCAA College Football

The above link is to the 2005 Michigan PSU game. Michigan down by 4 with 1 seconds left throws a TD pass to go up 27-25. This is the last play of the game. If you look at other scores ESPN calls out the extra point attempts as plays.

I remember watching this game. Michigan scored and the fans rushed the field and the game ended (PSU was undefeated #6 at the time). They did not kick the extra point.

At the time I didn't think anything of it but after seeing a few more games where this happened me and a friend started talking about the rule and want to try and get it answered.

Back in 2005, the TRY rule was that a TRY down is mandatory unless the team behind in the score leaves the field. I'll bet that Coach Paterno figured there was no way the field could be cleared in any reasonable period of time and that UM would probably just snap it and down it immediately, so why bother with the down.

As mentioned, that rule has since been changed.

[BktBallRef]

I don't believe NFL teams are required to attempt a try in such a case.

They don't in OT.

[agentorange]

Originally Posted by BktBallRef

I don't believe NFL teams are required to attempt a try in such a case.

They don't in OT.

I understand in NFL OT because if you score a TD you go up by 6 and even if the defense could score they would still lose the game.

In college the defense can score a 2 point play on a point after try. So if the 6 points from the TD causes the defending team to be down by 2 or less they would want the attempt to be tried cause they could score to tie or win.

But that doesn't seem to be the case.

[BktBallRef]

Originally Posted by agentorange

I understand in NFL OT because if you score a TD you go up by 6 and even if the defense could score they would still lose the game.

BUt the defense can't score on a try.

[agentorange]

Originally Posted by BktBallRef

BUt the defense can't score on a try.

"I understand in NFL OT because if you score a TD you go up by 6 and even if the defense could score they would still lose the game."

I understand this. I was simply pointing out that IF the defense could score it wouldn't change the winner of the game only the final score. So there is no reason to kick it in NFL overtime.

The question stands. If a team scores as time expires in a NFL or NCAA game do they have to attempt the PAT.

[ljudge]

The defense CAN score on a try in the NCAA. I'm unsure abou tthe NFL. I don't have my rule book handy but I do have my Rogers Redding guide at my side with a rule reference.

Here's what it says along with an example:

"The only time it is not attempted is when a touchdown is scored during the last down of the game and the point(s) would not affect the outcome of the game (8-3-2a). Here is an example.

Example 9-60: Middle Coast University scores as the game clock expires in the fourth quarter to go ahead of Holy Athlete University by (a) one or two point(s), or (b) by three points.

Ruling:

In (a) the try must be attempted as Holy Athlete can score on the try and affect the outcome of the game. In (b), the game is over. The try is not attempted.

Note: The book says "In (a) and (b) the try must be attempted as Holy Athlete..." but I realize the "and(b)" piece is an edit mistake.

[waltjp]

Originally Posted by BktBallRef

I don't believe NFL teams are required to attempt a try in such a case.

They don't in OT.

Wasn't it a Pittsburgh game a couple of weeks back when they called the teams back on the field for the try? I guess it makes sense if the NFL is using PF and PA for tie breakers.

In HS the try isn't attempted if the game is already decided - unless it has bearings on the playoffs.

NCAA - ???