Momentum on a free kick

[voiceoflg]

K has been kicking high with the ball coming down around the R 30 yard line all night. R4 is camped at the 30 when on a kickoff, K kicks it over R4's head. R4 runs back to get it and picks it up on a bounce at his own 2 yard line. Momentum carries him into the end zone where the white hat immediately blows his whistle and signals touchback.

Is this the correct call? If not, then what? I'll give what was eventually ruled later.

[HLin NC]

If the WH was certain it was possessed in the field of play, should be a beanbag at the spot, 1st & 10 R at the 2.

If in doubt or if not in possession then touchback would be the proper call.

[CT1]

Assuming there was possession before the EZ, sounds like there was an IW. R can take the ball at the R-2, or choose a rekick (most likely).

[maven]

Originally Posted by CT1

Assuming there was possession before the EZ, sounds like there was an IW. R can take the ball at the R-2, or choose a rekick (most likely).

I agree, sounds like an IW.

Just to expand on that a bit: 4-2-3c dictates that R has the option "to accept the results of the play at the dead-ball spot or replay the down." The result of the play would ordinarily be a safety (R carried the ball into their own EZ, where it became dead), but the momentum exception applies here, making the result of the play R's ball at the R2.

The other option — replaying the down — would be a rekick in this instance. The K coach won't be happy about it, and a beanbag helps to sell this call.

I also agree with HLinNC: if the covering official has any doubt about possession, then it was still a kick when it crossed the plane of the GL, resulting in a TB. In that case, he got it right.

[voiceoflg]

Here is what happened.

[maven]

My observations:

1. The R is out of position, having to run back to the GL to rule on TB. He should start straddling the GL.

2. I can't see where the receiver gained possession.

3. He gives an NFL TB signal (NFHS and NCAA use a "fair catch" signal for TB).

4. No clue why we're starting at the 2 YL if the ruling was a TB, but the R seems to be lined up directly behind the QB.