Expert: Vic Winnek - 8/5/2008

Question
If in overtime the first team to get possession throws an interception, lets say on 2nd down, and the defensive player who made the int fumbles the ball and the offense regains possession of the ball, do they a) get a new set of downs, b) lose possession and it is now the other teams try on offense, c) none of the above?????????????? Thanks.

Answer
Ryan
To answer your question  The Offensive team (Team A) does not get a new series {set of downs} after the change of possession.  


In your question I need to know when and where the ball becomes dead.  This will impact the answer.  I will list some examples that will anticipate different situations.  Your hypothetical needs more facts as to what happens to the ball after the interception and fumble when A regains possession.  Likely Team B will then get their new series of downs.

Team series in OT: Each team retains the ball during a series until it scores or fails to make a first down. The ball remains alive after a change of team possession until it is declared dead. However, Team A may not have a first and 10 if it again possesses the ball after a change of team possession.


EXAMPLES: [Team A - Offense and B -Defense.]

1. After each team has put the ball in play by snap at the beginning of its series, the score is tied or there has been no score. RULING: Begin the second extra period with the loser of the toss at the beginning of the first extra period having the choice of the two options.

2. Other than on the try, Team B intercepts a pass or fumble for a
touchdown or recovers a fumble or a backward pass and scores a
touchdown. RULING: Period and game are ended, and Team B is the
winner.

3. During the first series of a period, Team B intercepts a pass or
fumble or recovers a fumble or a backward pass and does not score
a touchdown. RULING: Team A series is ended and Team B, which
becomes Team A, starts its series of that period.

4. During the first series of a period, Team A attempts a field goal and the kick is blocked. Team A recovers the kick, which never was
beyond the neutral zone, and runs for a touchdown. RULING: Six
points for Team A, and Team B begins its series of the period after
the try.

5. Team A attempts a field goal and the kick is blocked. Team A
recovers the kick, which never was beyond the neutral zone, and runs
for a first down. RULING: Team A’s ball, first and 10.

6. Team A attempts a field goal on first, second or third down, and the kick is blocked. Team A recovers the kick, which never crossed the neutral zone, and does not gain a first down. RULING: Team A’s ball, next down.

7. Team A attempts a field goal and the kick is blocked. Team B
recovers the kick and runs it into Team A’s end zone. RULING:
Touchdown, game is ended.

8. During the first series of a period, Team B—after gaining possession—loses possession to Team A, which scores a touchdown. RULING: The score counts, and Team B begins its series of the period after the try.

9. During the first series of a period, Team B—after gaining possession— loses possession to Team A, which fails to score a touchdown.  RULING: Team A series is ended, and Team B begins its series of that period.

10. During the first series of a period, Team A fumbles into Team B’s end zone on second down of a series. Team B recovers and downs the ball in its end zone. RULING: Team A series of that period is ended. Team B series of the period begins.

11. During the first series of a period, B10 intercepts a forward pass on his three-yard line and downs the ball in his end zone (no momentum involved). RULING: Score two points for Team A. Team A’s series is over. Team B will put the ball in play, first and 10 on the 25-yard line at the same end of the field.

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.

Hope this helps,
Victor Winnek
NCAA Football Official