AR 7-2-4 / Fumble

I. 2 & middle at Os 13-yd line. The runner loses control of the ball (fumble) at Os 20-yd line and
the ball hits the ground at Os 16-yd line.
RULING: Ball is dead when it hits the ground, no foul. Next play 3 & middle at Os 20-yd line.
NOTE: It would be the same ruling if the ball hits the ground at Os 24-yd line (forward fumble) or if a teammate of the fumbler catches the ball.

II. With less than 2 minutes on the clock, the runner drops the ball to the ground intentionally to
stop the clock before getting deflagged.
RULING: The clock will stop as the drop is considered as pass (R 2-9-2). If the drop happens
behind the scrimmage line it will be no foul, just as spiking the ball or incomplete pass. If the
drop happens beyond the scrimmage line it will be a penalty for illegal pass. Clock will restart
on the next snap by rule.