Rules on blocked FG attempts

[The Old School JPS]

I was asked about this and thought I knew the answer but wanted to make sure.

This came up in relation to the Michigan loss to Appalachian State; I did not see the game but someone told me that ASU attempted a field goal on first down with time left in the game. I assumed that was so that if the play was botched before the kick, they could have another attempt. But in discussing it, I realized I was not certain about the rules.

If a field goal is attempted on a down other than fourth, and is unsuccessful, am I accurate on each of the following?

1) if the kick is blocked by the defensive team, the defense gets the ball even if the kicking team recovers it; I can't recall exactly but I want to say that the defensive team gets it where they recover the ball or at the original line of scrimmage, whichever is to their advantage (I may well be wrong about that)

2) if the play is unsuccessful due to a botched snap or something else that ends the play before the ball is kicked, the kicking team retains possession (assuming there is not a lost fumble or interception) and can attempt a field goal again on the next play; the kicking team gets the ball where the play ends

[PitinoLooksBetterInRed]

I was asked about this and thought I knew the answer but wanted to make sure.

This came up in relation to the Michigan loss to Appalachian State; I did not see the game but someone told me that ASU attempted a field goal on first down with time left in the game. I assumed that was so that if the play was botched before the kick, they could have another attempt. But in discussing it, I realized I was not certain about the rules.

If a field goal is attempted on a down other than fourth, and is unsuccessful, am I accurate on each of the following?

1) if the kick is blocked by the defensive team, the defense gets the ball even if the kicking team recovers it; I can't recall exactly but I want to say that the defensive team gets it where they recover the ball or at the original line of scrimmage, whichever is to their advantage (I may well be wrong about that)

2) if the play is unsuccessful due to a botched snap or something else that ends the play before the ball is kicked, the kicking team retains possession (assuming there is not a lost fumble or interception) and can attempt a field goal again on the next play; the kicking team gets the ball where the play ends

On any down before fourth, if the kick is blocked and travels past the line of scrimage, they lose the downs and it is a turnover (not sure where its spotted but thats not the main point). If it is blocked backwards, and recovered by the offense, it is spotted where it is recovered and can be tried again. If the snap is botched, same thing. I dont know when i've talked about this before but im pretty sure this is correct.

[The Old School JPS]

Even if the defending team blocks the kick, the offense can recover it and try again?

[lighthouse]

I checked with my SEC contact and he said it all depends on whether or not the ball goes beyond the line of scrimmage. If it does cross the LOS, the defense gets the ball. If not, and the offense recovers the ball, it's 2nd down and they can try again.

[DenCat]

This is a little off topic, but I wanted to add it. It is fantastic we have an individual, Steve, aka lighthouse, who is so knowledgeable and has the contacts to be able to answer our questions. It really helps in the understanding of the game. I have followed football my whole life and is basically the only sport I ever played. There are some things I don't know or understand and having Steve around to answer these questions helps out a lot. Thanks Steve.:thumbup::thumbup:

[The Old School JPS]

I agree with that. Thanks for the answers!

[lighthouse]

You're welcome Dennis. It's my pleasure.

[BigBlue75]

I didn't see the Michigan-App State game and I have no idea where they were on downs, but for the purposes of my question, on the last play, if Michigan had recovered the blocked kick, provided it wasn't fourth down and there was time remaining, they could have lined up and tried the FG again, right?

( Not saying it would have been makeable depending on field position, but you get the idea...)

[lighthouse]

I didn't see the Michigan-App State game and I have no idea where they were on downs, but for the purposes of my question, on the last play, if Michigan had recovered the blocked kick, provided it wasn't fourth down and there was time remaining, they could have lined up and tried the FG again, right?

( Not saying it would have been makeable depending on field position, but you get the idea...)

Only if the ball didn't cross the LOS, which I don't think it did.

[1daysoon]

Only if the ball didn't cross the LOS, which I don't think it did.

This is off topic somewhat, but did anybody else think "Marty Moore" when the Appalachin State guy was returning the block field goal. Can you imagine him fumbling and having Michigan run it back for a touchdown to win the game.

When you are running with the ball and time is running out and you are winning FALL DOWN!!