Gophers vs nebraska

[Texas Aggie]

Once it's touched doesn't it become a fumble and by rule can't be advanced.

First, the rule in question: "When a backward pass goes out of bounds between the goal lines, the ball belongs to the passing team at the out-*of-*bounds spot."

Second, a fumble and backward pass are two different things, even if both are treated similar in many cases (here, they aren't -- the rule cited above is different for fumbles). One never "becomes" another, regardless of what happens. A pass can be completed, intercepted, or become dead (incomplete) ONLY. A fumble can be possessed ONLY. At least, in terms of what they "become." There can be other illegal activities like batting and kicking, and I may have left out one or two legal activities, but for the most part, this is correct.

Finally, I'm not sure what gives you the idea that it "can't be advanced." Either a backward pass or fumble can be advanced by either team, except on 4th down and try's with respect to Team A and the one that fumbled.

[Snocatzdad]

Originally Posted by Texas Aggie

First, the rule in question: "When a backward pass goes out of bounds between the goal lines, the ball belongs to the passing team at the out-*of-*bounds

Finally, I'm not sure what gives you the idea that it "can't be advanced." Either a backward pass or fumble can be advanced by either team, except on 4th down and try's with respect to Team A and the one that fumbled.

In the op I mentioned that this was fourth down.