Question:
“Watching the Oklahoma State-Central Michigan game, the offense lines up with time counting down to the end. With the offense leading and on fourth down, the ball is snapped and thrown way down the field. There are no receivers in the area, but time expires before the ball hits the ground.
The officials call intentional grounding. Does the defensive team get one untimed down on offense”
Answer:
Extending any period, not just the fourth quarter, on an accepted penalty is negated by a foul that includes a loss of down. NCAA Rule 3-2-3 exception states a period “is not extended if the foul is by the team in possession and the penalty includes a loss of down.” The high school rule book has a similar rule.
You can argue that Team A fouled and gained a huge clock advantage, but you can’t argue the rule. This rule was interpreted incorrectly by the referee, the crew and the replay booth, allowing Central Michigan another snap and the chance to win the game. “