Texas/Texas A&M, what the heck just happened?

[Free Bagel]

Ok, so Texas kicks a PAT, and the kicker kicks it right into the back of one of the linemen.

One of the A&M guys picks it up, fumbles it into the endzone, then A&M recovers it.

They give Texas one point for a "one point safety."

Here's my question though.

The Texas kicker KICKED the ball, and it hit one of the Texas linemen. Now at this point, isn't the play over? How is this any different from missing a 50 yard field goal wide right? Someone can't just run back and pick it up and run with it, once it's kicked and hits the ground isn't it dead?!?!?

[CC]

Yea they gave an explanation later in the game but it still didn't make sense. It didn't have an effect on the final score anyways.

BTW, defending team can catch a missed FG and run it back if they please.

[goleafsgo96]

I think because it hit a Lineman before it hit the ground, they ruled it a fumlbe, then A&M picked it up and fell back into their endzone for the safety.

[Free Bagel]

BTW, defending team can catch a missed FG and run it back if they please.

Key word there is catch, it's my understanding that once it's on the ground it's dead. And it this case it was most definitely on the ground.

[CC]

BTW, defending team can catch a missed FG and run it back if they please.

Key word there is catch, it's my understanding that once it's on the ground it's dead. And it this case it was most definitely on the ground.

Oh, I completely agree, I think it was a muffed call, but I was impressed the ref could remember that rule.

[goleafsgo96]

Again, i think that because it his a lineman BEFORE it hit the ground, it was correct to be ruled a fumble. Its just a hunch, but doesnt that make sense?

[Free Bagel]

Again, i think that because it his a lineman BEFORE it hit the ground, it was correct to be ruled a fumble. Its just a hunch, but doesnt that make sense?

I've seen kicks go off of linemen's backs several times, and everytime it was ruled just the same as a missed field goal and the ball was dead.