Expert: Vic Winnek - 10/5/2007

Question
Hello

the Play is from LSU - South Carolina.

Fake FG from LSU. Scores TD from Colt David.

Why was the Holder not down by contact?

Ball in Possession + knee down.

Answer
Andreas
Thank you for your question Why is a Holder not down by contact when the Ball in Possession + knee down...?

 The reason is because of NCAA Football Rule 4-1-3(b, exception).  This rule creates the exception to the ball being declared dead when a player's knee is down touching the ground. The exception applies only to the HOLDER when an offensive player kicks or simulates kicking the ball for a place kick (Field Goal).  By rule the ball may be advanced, kicked or passed.

In college football the holder may place his knee on the ground and the ball is not declared dead.  The rationale for this exception is because the holder is a position that holds the ball for a place kick.  After receiving the snap it would be illogical to declare the ball dead because the holder's knee was on the ground.  It would defeat the purpose of a holder and the purpose of a place kick.

The old football rules declared the ball became dead in player possession when the player was down by contact (much like the current NFL rule).  Under the current NCAA football rules "down by contact" is not an element to declaring the runner down.  "By contact" is not necessary under the college rule.  I suspect the origin of this 4-1-3(b) exception dates back to the late 1800's.  

The exact rule is (Exception: "The ball remains alive when an offensive player has simulated a kick or is in position to kick the ball held by a teammate.  The ball may be kicked, passed or advanced by rule.")

So in the play you make inquiry about the offense is in a scrimmage kick formation (FG formation); the ball is snapped to the holder (thus the ball is held by a teammate); the offense is simulating a kick. [Among experts/students of the rules there is a varying opinion as to whether LSU simulated a kick play.  Philosophically the play is determined at the snap.  At the Snap LSU was lined up for an obvious FG in an obvious scrimmage kick formation with a holder and kicker in place.  Arguably this is sufficient for "simulating a kick per the rule from a philosophical standpoint.] The ball is passed to the kicker who advances the ball for a TD. [Again there is some debate on this particular play as to whether the kicker was illegally in motion.  But this was not judged to be the case by the covering officials.]  I hope this answers your question.  Please feel free to follow-up or ask further questions.  Additionally it would be appreciated if you would rate this response.

Thanks again,
Victor Winnek
NCAA Football Official