Illegal Touching -- Punts

[RadioBlue]

Originally Posted by Johnny Cakes

Is it correct that every time the punting team "downs" a punt, it is technically an illegal touching, with the remedy being that the receiving team is awarded possession at the spot of the touching?

Second question: Suppose a punt is rolling, the punting team touches it, but it keeps on rolling and then the receiving team picks up the ball and runs for a touchdown. Is it downed where the punting team touched it or is the touchdown valid.

For both questions, assume that all touching occurs beyond the line of scrimmage.

Thanks.

I believe you're basically correct other than the fact that you have first touching instead of illegal touching.

If K touches the punt, it basically becomes a free shot for R because if they should happen to lose the football on a turnover during the return, one of the options available to them would be to take the ball at the spot of first touching. However, if R were to foul during the return, they lose the right to take the ball at the spot of first touching.

Anything I'm missing, guys?