Overtime Rules Question

[KoKoPuf]

In the UGA-GT game, UGA had possession after GT scored. A GT defensive back intercepted a UGA pass and started to run before going down after scrambling around. My question, if the DB had fumbled after gaining possession and UGA recovered, would UGA have possession and a new set of downs? Or does the interception end UGA's possession and it's game over at that point?

[bamaphil]

I think it would be GT's ball, as the play isn't officially over until the whistle blows.  The double turnover is one of those quirky rules.  I'm not sure I've ever seen it in OT, probably because the players are taught to drop to the ground the second they intercept the ball.

[SUPERCOACH]

That is a good question.  My guess is that it only counts if the defense maintains possession at the end of the play.

[N.AL-Tider]

I'll have to consult with Gary Danielson and get back to you on that... 

[Chechem]

I think each team gets one chance to score.  The interception ends it, but only if the player downs the ball.  If he fumbles, and UGA retains possession, I think UGA continues their drive for the tying score.

Good question.   

[2Stater]

Maybe Carl Childers will see this thread and respond. I think he only officiates high school football, but maybe he'll know.

[SUPERCOACH]

I want to change my answer. 

If the defense gets the ball and runs it back to the 50 then fumbles, and the offense recovers the fumble, I don't think they will get the ball 1st and 10 at the 50.  So basically if it is a situation where the offense would get a new possession with a 1st and 10, then I think their turn is over.  If it is a situation where they would continue their previous series by losing a down, then their turn would continue.  But that really only happens if the defense doesn't control the ball, such as a fumble that they bobble out of bounds.

[Chechem]

I want to change my answer. 

If the defense gets the ball and runs it back to the 50 then fumbles, and the offense recovers the fumble, I don't think they will get the ball 1st and 10 at the 50.  So basically if it is a situation where the offense would get a new possession with a 1st and 10, then I think their turn is over.  If it is a situation where they would continue their previous series by losing a down, then their turn would continue.  But that really only happens if the defense doesn't control the ball, such as a fumble that they bobble out of bounds.

I think you're right.  But, if so, the player who has the fumble might as well run for the endzone so those of us who have them as 8-point favorites can win.

 

[Chechem]

I think I found the answer.  Here:

The ball remains alive after a change of possession [fumble or interception] until it is declared dead.  Team A may not have 1st & 10 again if it possess the ball again after a change of possession [A-B-A].

Click here for link

So, as usual, SC is correct!   

[2Stater]

I honestly think in the case of an interception, the play is whistled dead immediately. If the intercepting team is ahead, game over. If not, then change of possession.

[SUPERCOACH]

I think I found the answer.  Here:

The ball remains alive after a change of possession [fumble or interception] until it is declared dead.  Team A may not have 1st & 10 again if it possess the ball again after a change of possession [A-B-A].

Click here for link

So, as usual, SC is correct!   

A caveat though... if the offense gets the ball back [A-B-A] they can still try to run it in for a TD.  If they don't make it to the end zone, their turn is over.

I would not want to be the defensive player that fumbled it back though, especially if the offense makes it to the end zone. 

+1 for actually looking up the rule instead of guessing like me.

[SUPERCOACH]

I honestly think in the case of an interception, the play is whistled dead immediately. If the intercepting team is ahead, game over. If not, then change of possession.

I've never seen a case where the defender doesn't take a knee or fall down.  But I think the play continues until they do.  My guess is that Auburn will be the first one to benefit from this lucky reprieve of the defender fumbling it back and letting them score a TD. 

[SUPERCOACH]

I honestly think in the case of an interception, the play is whistled dead immediately. If the intercepting team is ahead, game over. If not, then change of possession.

I've never seen a case where the defender doesn't take a knee or fall down.  But I think the play continues until they do.  My guess is that Auburn will be the first one to benefit from this lucky reprieve of the defender fumbling it back and letting them score a TD. 

Think about it.  If the game is still tied when the interception occurs, the defense could run it back for a pick 6.  So I am pretty sure the play continues until the ball is dead, regardless of the score or who has possession.

[KoKoPuf]

Thanks, Guys.

[Catch Prothro]

I think I found the answer.  Here:

The ball remains alive after a change of possession [fumble or interception] until it is declared dead.  Team A may not have 1st & 10 again if it possess the ball again after a change of possession [A-B-A].

Click here for link

So, as usual, SC is correct!   

If you read down the rules, it has this example:

"12. Team A’s field-goal attempt is untouched beyond the neutral zone until it is muffed by B17 at the five-yard line. A75 recovers at the three-yard line. RULING: First down for Team A at the three-yard line."

Under this example, it appears A attempts a FG, Team B muffs the catch on the five yard line, Team A recovers on the three yard line.  First and Ten for Team A. 

Do they really mean that if B gains possession, then drops the ball, it is a different result then if the player merely touches the ball but fails to gain possession?  Apparently so.   

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