Baylor/OU Free kick

[Joe Stack]

Toward the end of the first half, Baylor was kicking off after a TD. The kicker picked the ball up off the tee and either punted or drop kicked it toward the sideline. Did anyone see that?

[JasonTX]

Yes, he drop kicked it, which is legal on a free kick.  A punt can only be done following a safety, but no such restrictions for a drop kick.

[Joe Stack]

Did they change that in recent years? I could have sworn it had to be a place kick at one time.

[Kalle]

Did they change that in recent years? I could have sworn it had to be a place kick at one time.

Drop kick has been a legal free kick option at least from around 1992.

[Legacy Zebra]

Any discussion on whether this is using equipment (a tee) to confuse their opponent under 9-2-2-c? 

[Kalle]

Any discussion on whether this is using equipment (a tee) to confuse their opponent under 9-2-2-c? 

Hnnnngh I wouldn't flag it, even if the potential kicker picked the ball up from the tee on the left hash, threw it to a team mate on the right hash, who would then drop kick it.

[mishatx]

Now if the kicker said "hey I forgot the tee", and someone was running it in from the sideline, then the kicker surprise drop-kicked it, I might have a flag there.

[Joe Stack]

Yeah, the tee thing is a non-issue, however, the free kick rule does say the kick must be from a point on the line (6-1-2-a). It appeared to me that the kick was CLEARLY behind the line. Are you worried about that?

[Kalle]

Yeah, the tee thing is a non-issue, however, the free kick rule does say the kick must be from a point on the line (6-1-2-a). It appeared to me that the kick was CLEARLY behind the line. Are you worried about that?

Interesting rule language. I think it is just a mistake in nobody thinking that anybody would drop kick on a kickoff.

[Legacy Zebra]

6-1-2-c-4 says that a punt or drop kick after a safety may be made from behind the line. I would say that by interpretation, that would extend to a kickoff as well. I think making either call would be "looking for boogers" as they say. Just wanted to see if there were any differing opinions.

[TXMike]

Play 30 in Video review 5 is the same play (but in a different game).  RR said it was legal. The kicker did kick it on the restraining line however.  No mention of that from RR so not sure if he thinks that is important or not