Help with a rule please

[ToddM]

I am watching the Clemson game, pulling for the ACC. Mid 3rd quarter after the Mutts scored they kicked off. The ball went over the head of the Clemson player and into the end zone but not out of the back. The ball came to rest I the end zone, without being touched or downed.

As soon as the ball hit the ground whistles blew and the players ran off the field.

Am I missing something or doesn't the ball have to be downed ? Why was it blown dead ?

Is there a new rule I don't know about ?

Couldn't the Mutts have recovered it for a TD ?

 

[John]

Am I missing something or doesn't the ball have to be downed ?

The ball is dead as soon as it hits the end zone. Would be a live ball if a player on the receiving team touches it.

 

[ToddM]

Ok thanks, I new that was the case on punts, never heard of it on a kickoff that stays in the field of play ( end zone ). Thought it was a just like a onside kick that isn't covered.

 

[OldJacketFan]

@John I thought that was the rule, but I wasn't sure. I think the NCAA instituted that as a safety issue.