What would Alberta think? Pass or Fumble?

You've all no doubt suffered through the following LSU field goal fake.  But was the toss by the place holder a pass or a fumble, and what difference does it make?  Watch it again if you need, but the ball hits the ground, and that makes a big difference.

First, was the fake field goal a pass or a fumble?  We argued that it was a forward pass, and not a backward pass or lateral, and therefore was illegal.  And you did hear the announcers say "pitched it" instead of "fumbled it." But guess what?  If it was a pass, it was an incomplete pass when it hit the ground.  Doesn't matter if it was a legal or illegal incomplete pass.

An incomplete pass = An incomplete pass. 

Play is over, Gator ball.


Second, do you really think the place holder tossing a ball behind his head was a "fumble"?  Well, even if it is, it was still a dead ball.  Welcome to the rules. (Yep, that link is to the NCAA rules. Go to page 103-4 or FR-100-1)  Be sure to read the Exceptions, especially #2.

SECTION 2. Backward Pass and Fumble
During Live Ball
ARTICLE 1. A ball carrier may hand or pass the ball backward at any time,
except to throw the ball intentionally out of bounds to conserve time.
PENALTY—Five yards from the spot of the foul; also loss of down if by
Team A before team possession changes during a scrimmage
down (A.R. 3-4-3-III) [S35 and S9].

Caught or Recovered
ARTICLE 2. a. When a backward pass or fumble is caught or recovered by
any inbounds player, the ball continues in play (A.R. 7-2-2-I and II, A.R.
2-23-1-I).

Exceptions:
1. Rule 8-3-2-d-5 (Team A fumble on the try).
2. On fourth down before a change of team possession, when a Team
A fumble is caught or recovered by a Team A player other than the
fumbler, the ball is dead. If the catch or recovery is beyond the spot
of the fumble, the ball is returned to the spot of the fumble. If the
catch or recovery is behind the spot of the fumble, the ball remains
at the spot of the catch or recovery.
b. When a backward pass or fumble is caught or recovered simultaneously
by opposing players, the ball becomes dead and belongs to the team last
in possession (Exception: Rule 7-2-2-a Exceptions).

If it was a pass, backward pass or forward, it was an incomplete pass when it hit the ground.  If it was a fumble, "the ball [was] dead" when the kicker touched it, and the ball would have been returned to the spot of the fumble. No gain is awarded beyond the spot of the fumble. In either case, LSU would have failed to get a first down.  Gator ball.

And to make sure that we all know what a "live,"  "dead,"  or "loose" ball is here are the definitions from pages 45-6 or FR42-43.

SECTION 2. The Ball: Live, Dead, Loose
Live Ball
ARTICLE 1. A live ball is a ball in play. A pass, kick or fumble that has not
yet touched the ground is a live ball in flight.
Dead Ball
ARTICLE 2. A dead ball is a ball not in play.
Loose Ball
ARTICLE 3. a. A loose ball is a live ball not in player possession during:
1. A running play.
2. A scrimmage or free kick before possession is gained or regained or
the ball is dead by rule.
3. The interval after a legal forward pass is touched and before it
becomes complete, incomplete or intercepted. This interval is during
a forward pass play, and any player eligible to touch the ball may bat
it in any direction.
b. All players are eligible to touch, catch or recover a ball that is loose from
a fumble (Exceptions: Rules 7-2-2-a-2 and 8-3-2-d-5) or a backward
pass, but eligibility to touch a ball loose from a kick is governed by kick
rules (Rule 6)

Funny, that 7-2-2-a-2 exception comes back even if it is a "loose" ball.

Even though the Gators played terribly, and the fact that even new born babes KNEW that the Gators were going up the middle on first down, the SEC refs ultimately got the call wrong and cost the Gators a win.  An ugly win, sure. But a win none-the-less. 

You may think the Gators had "no business winning" but by the rules, it seems we did, and we'd like to think the rules count for something and not who "deserved" to win, ugly or not.  The ball hit the ground. That was not too close to tell.  It hit the ground. Play over. Gator ball.

But if you still disagree, read the rules for yourself, and please explain how we don't get it in the comments section below. Or just vote your conscience.

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UPDATE: The SEC is stating that a "backward pass" remains alive for either team to recover.  Where is it in the rules?  Haven't been able to find it.  If you do, please let us know!