Iowa State's Punt Coverage

[Goothrey]

I noticed we don't go after the ball, but I also noticed we don't block on the return either. What's the deal with this? I understand not going after it with the risk of running into or roughing the kicker, but there would be several longhorn players were untouched running down the field.....Lenz had no chance.

 

[3TrueFans]

Yes, I'm sure that's exactly how they're coaching it. "Guys, we're not blocking the kick, but I don't want to see you blocking anyone either."

 

[Cychotiic]

What was the deal with that blocked punt? Why the flag, and then why the no call? I'm assuming the flag was for roughing the kicker which was blatantly obvious... So why the no call?

 

[cyclonespiker33]

What was the deal with that blocked punt? Why the flag, and then why the no call? I'm assuming the flag was for roughing the kicker which was blatantly obvious... So why the no call?

....they blocked the punt

 

[GoSTATE71]

he blocked the punt

 

[Goothrey]

What was the deal with that blocked punt? Why the flag, and then why the no call? I'm assuming the flag was for roughing the kicker which was blatantly obvious... So why the no call?

If the ball is tipped/blocked, the punter can get hit.

 

[Cychotiic]

....they blocked the punt

k so if he makes contact with the ball and hits the kicker its a no call? Did he make contact with the ball.. No need to be a smartass...

 

[brianhos]

k so if he makes contact with the ball and hits the kicker its a no call? Did he make contact with the ball.. No need to be a smartass...

If anyone touches the ball at all, the kicker is fair game.

 

[alarson]

If the ball is tipped/blocked, the punter can get hit.

As a rules question, why is it this way? Either you're roughing the kicker or you're not, it doesnt make sense for the success of blocking the kick to be part of whether that is the call or not. Why should a failure to block by arriving a split second late be a penalty and a success of a block that takes out the kicker be ok? Seems either one or the other shouldnt be the case.

 

[3TrueFans]

If anyone touches the ball at all, the kicker is fair game.

I think technically it's only the person who actually blocks the kick that can run into the kicker without a penalty.

 

[IcSyU]

As a rules question, why is it this way? Either you're roughing the kicker or you're not, it doesnt make sense for the success of blocking the kick to be part of whether that is the call or not. Why should a failure to block by arriving a split second late be a penalty and a success of a block that takes out the kicker be ok? Seems either one or the other shouldnt be the case.

A play was made on the ball in one case, it wasn't in the other. You can't hit a receiver before he's had a chance to make a play on an untipped pass but he's free game if the pass is tipped.

 

[Rogue52]

I got a little annoyed in the stands because the white hat threw the flag when he had the best view of the ball being touched.

 

[IcSyU]

I got a little annoyed in the stands because the white hat threw the flag when he had the best view of the ball being touched.

He isn't watching the ball. His job is to protect the punter. Now you could argue he should've heard and seen it, but he should throw that flag and pick it up if necessary. You can always pick up a flag...he can't just wait until after the play and go, "Oh crap, they didn't get it. Too late to call it now!"

 

[MissouriCyclone]

But if your watching the punter you should be able to see if the ball was blocked or not. I may not be the smartest person in the world but if I was watching the punter I would notice that.

 

[IcSyU]

But if your watching the punter you should be able to see if the ball was blocked or not. I may not be the smartest person in the world but if I was watching the punter I would notice that.

The thought process isn't "well, he was hit. Now where is the ball. Should I throw it?" You throw it right away. When there are 5 guys barreling down on one player, it isn't as easy of a call as you would think it is.

 

[CrossCyed]

Yep, it was called correctly. Once that ball was tipped, he was free game.

Kirby also flattened a Texas guy at the end of the play.

 

[TedKumsher]

The better question -- why wasn't it called earlier in the game?

 

[Clonefan32]

So, at least theoretically, if a guy came through untouched could he tackle the punter before he kicks it? Or does he have to get the ball?

 

[MissouriCyclone]

The better question -- why wasn't it called earlier in the game?

Exactly, the 1st quarter he fell on the ground after a Texas player hit him. Happened right in front of me and no one called it. Terrible.

 

[IcSyU]

So, at least theoretically, if a guy came through untouched could he tackle the punter before he kicks it? Or does he have to get the ball?

Yep, you can tackle him in that case. He's no different than a running back while he has possession of the ball.

and running into the kicker should've been called on the first one (I think) but it wouldn't have changed the outcome.