Expert: Thom Brooks - 11/25/2007

Question
QUESTION: If there is a penalty on the last play before the end of a tied period in overtime is the penalty enforced?  If it is, then why was it not enforced when Kentucky was flagged for a face mask at the end of third overtime period?

ANSWER: Jim, hello!

The penalty that happens during the play would not be carried over to the new Overtime.  The Dead Ball penalty (like Unsportsmanlike that happened after the play was over), WOULD be applied to the next series.  Plus, on an extra point attempt that is blocked, any subsequent penalty during the play would be ignored because the ball is dead in Overtime as soon as the Offense is stopped.  

It's been a heckuva day for America to witness the strange rules, hasn't it?

Thom Brooks

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: If I understand you correctly, you are saying that when the kick was blocked the offense was stopped and therefore the defense cannot return the blocked kick.  I thought this was a field goal attempt?  In any event, the rule could encourage a cheap shot that could cause an injury that could be serious without incurring a penalty.  Thanks for your responses.  Much appreciated.  Jim

Answer
Jim, Had team A (that attempted the fiedl goal) had their kick blocked, Team B could recover and run it back for the TD that would have ended the game.  However, if a penalty occurred during the play, the play is over and a new Overtime would have started (or Team B would have gotten the ball at the Team A's 25 yard line).  If a violation occurs after the play is over, it's called a Dead Ball Foul, and would be enforced in the next series.  Thus,Team A
may get the ball on Offense, but they would be starting from the 40 yard line if there was a 15 yard Unsportsmanlike Penalty.

Most penalties are designed to punish the villain in the worst manner possible.  

Thom Brooks