Rule Clarification

[Longtime Lurker]

Just getting a chance to watch the replay, and noticed something I'm apparently unclear on. At 11:39 in the 2nd quarter, after our field goal. The ensuing kickoff went into the EZ and died, staying in the EZ. As it was going in through the air, Troy's returner trotted out of the EZ and the ref blew the whistle and signaled touch back. We picked it up, and handed it to the ref. Not that it matters anyway, but how is this not a TD for the kicking team? I thought it had to be downed to be a TB? Did the rules change on this? I saw the Troy returner let a couple of them bounce into the EZ yesterday, but they went out the back, so I understood that.

 

[msstate7]

In the end zone, it's a dead ball. 1 yard line = live. End zone = dead

 

[Longtime Lurker]

Ok. I guess I missed that rule change. Does it make a difference if it lands in the field of play, then rolls into EZ, vs landing in EZ?

 

[msstate7]

Good question.

 

[OleMissLogo]

Rule 6 Section 1 Article 7

Ball Dead in End Zone
ARTICLE 7 a)When a free kick untouched by Team B touches the ground on or behind Team B’s goal line, the ball becomes dead and belongs to Team B
b) If the result of the free kick is a touchback (Rule 8-6) for Team B, they will put the ball in play at their 25-yard line