Utah vs Oregon

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In the 2nd quarter of this game Utah receiver caught a long pass. While show boating he dropped th ball 2 yards shy of the goal line. Oregon picked up the loose ball and returned it 99 yards for a touch down. My question is #4 for Oregon went out of bounds on his own through the side of the end zone, came back in bounds and was the first person to touch the loose ball at the one yard line. Isnt this illegal touching by Oregon? If the player goes out on his own he cannot be the first player to touch the ball correct?

[ak482]

Nov 8, 2014 23:25:55 GMT -5 @bstevie said:

In the 2nd quarter of this game Utah receiver caught a long pass. While show boating he dropped th ball 2 yards shy of the goal line. Oregon picked up the loose ball and returned it 99 yards for a touch down. My question is #4 for Oregon went out of bounds on his own through the side of the end zone, came back in bounds and was the first person to touch the loose ball at the one yard line. Isnt this illegal touching by Oregon? If the player goes out on his own he cannot be the first player to touch the ball correct?

Good question, but the answer is no in this case. Illegal touching only applies to passes and kicks. In this case the Oregon player re-established himself inbounds, which is all he needed to do.

Also major kudos to the SJ for not quick whistling the play a touchdown.

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Thanks for the response. You are correct, I suppose since this was the first time I have ever seen this during a loose ball play I was a bit confused. Great job by the officials not blowing the play dead