Or does it / did it / has it ever applied to college football? I don't know, so I'm asking.

If yes, what the hell were the Mississippi State players thinking when they chased that blocked field goal down to the goal line and "recovered" it?

If not, well, no explanation necessary I guess.

Lett it be...lol

I was thinking the same thing

I dont think the rule has been changed I think it is players not knowing the rules
blocked kick is basically a punt so if the defensive team touches the ball it is a live ball

The rules of football's kicking game:

A few rules pertain strictly to the kicking game. Most of them decide what happens when a kick is blocked or touched by the defensive team. Because three points are so valuable, special teams place a great emphasis on making a strong effort to block these kicks. The team kicking the ball works just as diligently to protect its kicker, making sure he has a chance to score.
Here are some rules regarding field goals and extra points:

• A blocked field goal recovered behind the line of scrimmage may be advanced by either team.
• A blocked field goal that crosses the line of scrimmage may be advanced only by the defense. If the ball is muffed or fumbled, however, it's a free ball.

"Football For Dummies: Field Goals and PATs"

Edits: To add reference

Most football fans know about Lett's mistake that cost his team the game. For those who don't, here it is.....

Wow. A Flood of memories just came back. IIRC, We watched that game in the Corps dorms while getting ready for March in against the sips. It was cold as hell, but so much fun as we beat the sips again and won the SWC! Then a great game against ND in the Cotton Bowl with an unfortunate loss. Had Leeland McElroy caught that hook and ladder, he'd still be running and Ags woulda won. What a game!

AgDotCom said:

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Most football fans know about Lett's mistake that cost his team the game. For those who don't, here it is.....

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Jimmy Johnson cried during press conference.

one question about the end of the State-Miami game...

what if the bulldog player while standing in the endzone had intentionally batted the ball out of the back of the endzone (instead of falling on it for a recovery).

would that have been a penalty on State and another FG attempt for Miami-Ohio?

Leon was merely following the "feet first, first time" rule.

He also had another shining moment in the Super Bowl. What a butthead.

W said:

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one question about the end of the State-Miami game...

what if the bulldog player while standing in the endzone had intentionally batted the ball out of the back of the endzone (instead of falling on it for a recovery).

would that have been a penalty on State and another FG attempt for Miami-Ohio?

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If Mississippi State had not possessed the football after the blocked FG then illegally batted the ball out the back of the endzone, then Miami (OH) would be awarded the football at the original spot of the field goal attempt since that loose ball penalty puts the ball back to the previous spot for that play. This would have allowed Miami to attempt another play, such as another FG attempt.

I didn't see the play in question, but a blocked punt or FG that crosses the line is just like a punt that crosses the line -- it is deemed untouched by Team B (the defense) regardless of what happens behind the LOS or even up to 3 yards beyond the LOS (in the act of blocking the kick itself). Lett was just like a punt returner who touched the ball but didn't recover it -- at that point, it became a live ball available to both teams.

As far as the Leon Lett play, the NFL and college rule is the same. It works the same as a punt that no one goes and touches.

91AggieLawyer said:

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I didn't see the play in question, but a blocked punt or FG that crosses the line is just like a punt that crosses the line -- it is deemed untouched by Team B (the defense) regardless of what happens behind the LOS or even up to 3 yards beyond the LOS (in the act of blocking the kick itself). Lett was just like a punt returner who touched the ball but didn't recover it -- at that point, it became a live ball available to both teams.

As far as the Leon Lett play, the NFL and college rule is the same. It works the same as a punt that no one goes and touches.

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Here's the play. If this continues, a coach will be fired because of it some day. Not if, but when.