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College Football/Rule concerning a pass reception

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Expert: Thom Brooks - 10/27/2008


Question

Interception or TD
We had a game this weekend and a defensive player #27 was defending a receiver who went out on a fade to the back of the end zone.  The defensive player had inside position on the receiver but both had hands on the ball.  The receiver was reaching around the defensive back and had his (the receiver) left hand on the ball, and the defender had his left hand on the receiver's left hand.  The defender's right hand was on the ball, and the receiver's right hand was on the defender's right hand.  The front of the receiver's body was behind the defender so that his stomach was touching the defender's back.  As a result, the defender was reaching around the defender's body.  Initially, the ball is under the defender's facemask on his shoulder, and as they go down, the ball goes lower to the defender's chest.  As they fall to the ground, the receiver lets go of the ball and the defender comes up with the ball.  My question is whether this is a touchdown or an interception.  I have a series of about 5 jpgs of the play which are pretty clear to see, but I was only able to attach one of them, so here it is.

Answer
Michael, hello!

Thanks for your reply.  I can be reached at :

CompnyBiz@aol.com  anytime you have other questions.  Glad the call was made correctly, even if it took time to resolve.  The kids often forget about wins, losses and controversy, but us parents remember forever!!

I just officiated an age 12 and under game last week.  They were tied 6-6 heading into overtime.  The first series ended tied, but the second series required, if no score, that deepest penetration.  The
5-1 team was stopped on 4th down at the 12 yard line.  The 6-0 team had 4th down and reached the 13 yard line before stepping out of bounds.  The two officials on that side called the player out and that ended the game.  It was a perfect call but several parents were threatening those two officials because of their passion.  So, it is an ungrateful job to be an official.  That's why I love it!!

I coach a men's baseball team, over age 23.  We just won our league championship for the 3rd time in 4 years so I'm a peculiar baseball coach in that I recognize the emotion of having plays go for and against the team of choice!!  It is great!!

Thom Brooks, Head Coach
Savannah Bombers Baseball Club  
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentThanks. That is the way it was ruled after about 10 minutes. It was actually my son who made the play. He is about 5 inches shorter than the receiver. One ref said it was a TD, the other an INT. This play actually ended a game that was in overtime as the other team needed to score in order to continue the OT. Thanks. I actually sent the other pictures to the email address as I thought you might be interested in the full action. Thanks again.


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Thom Brooks

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I would be honored to help you find your answers on history, trivia or stats of College Football. I may not be your best source, but can advise where you can find the answers you seek!

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I've been watching it for over 55 years!

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Brooks Insurance School, where I've taught over 39,000 students. Author of the Bubba Book of Knowledge (History and Trivia). I coach a men's baseball team through the MABL/MSBL, and officiate high school football.

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