Re: Thoughts: the rule that a fumble out of bounds

Clemson Conqueror [11789]

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Sep 15, 2023, 5:52 PM

I think its a dumb rule. The placement of the ball in different scenarios should be consistent.
Unless I'm wrong, these are the rules:
If you fumble the ball forward and it goes out of bounds on 1st, 2nd or 3rd down, ball is marked where it went out of bounds.
If the ball is fumbled backward out of bounds, this same rule does not apply. Instead, the offense would get the ball where the ball went out, which likely results in a loss of yards.

If you fumble forward on 4th down it is marked where you fumbled. If the ball is fumbled forward on 4th down, the only player who can recover and advance the ball is the initial ball carrier.
It’s also not allowed to fumble the ball forward on a two-point conversion. If the ball gets fumbled forward and goes out of bounds, it will be returned to the original spot where it occurred to avoid players fumbling on purpose to try and gain extra yards.

Here's my take,
They make all these dumb, inconsistent interpretations of different fumbling scenarios out of concern for someone intentionally fumbling forward to get yards they didn't earn. I intentionally fumbling is a huge risk/reward situation that I would not coach my players to do for 2 reasons. 1) It could be ruled an illegal forward pass with 5 yard penalty and loss of down. and 2) it is an oblong sphere that doesnt go where you want it to when it hits the ground. Hence the risk/reward is not worth it.
Just make it simple. "All fumbles are ruled down where the fumble is recovered unless it goes out of bounds, then the last team that had possession of it gets the ball where they last had possession of it"

https://gamedayculture.com/can-you-fumble-the-ball-forward-in-college-football/#what-happens-if-you-fumble-forward-out-of-bounds-in-college-football

Can You Fumble The Ball Forward In College Football? - GameDay Culture

College football is known for high scoring, competitiveness, and crazy plays. But many people ask about the rules and whether you can fumble forward.

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"The one who thinks we can and the one who thinks we can't are both right! Which one are you, son? Which one are you, son?"

In your fumbling backwards example, the same rule actually does apply consistent with the forward yardage scenarios. In each case the ball is being spotted where it went out of bounds, either forward or backwards, save for the 4th down exception, which itself is consistent with a 2-point conversion, as they both represent your only remaining chance to either move the chains or score. I also find it consistent and fair that only the O player fumbling can advance the ball with his own recovery, as it's a sign of a more legitimate play at hand, instead of a ploy.

The End Zone is the Defense's home turf. Job Numero Uno is preventing an Offense from entering. If a play from an Offense spills the ball into and out of your home turf area, they lost possession on that play in your turf, so possession D at the 20 as a Touchback is pretty dang appropriate. IMO.

Thoughts: the rule that a fumble out of bounds