Here's the rule and I'll try to explain it as simply as I can
Offensive Team Requirements—At the Snap
ARTICLE 4 Violation of each of the following (a-c) is a live-ball foul; the play
is allowed to continue
a Formation. At the snap Team A must be in a formation that meets these
requirements:
1 All players must be inbounds
2 All players must be either linemen or backs (Rule 2-27-4, A R 7-1
4-VIII)
3 At least five linemen must wear jerseys numbered 50 through 79
(Exception: When the snap is from a scrimmage kick formation, par
5 below )
4 No more than four players may be back
The pertinent section is that at least 5 linemen must wear jerseys numbered 50 - 79 unless the snap is from a scrimmage kick formation. ND did not have at least 5 linemen with those numbers. When Kiser got behind the center and took the snap, ND was no longer in a scrimmage kick formation so they were in violation of the rule. I imagine that the purpose of the rule is to make it easier for the defense to identify eligible receivers from ineligible receivers. We can bitch about it all we want but the call was correct.
ARTICLE 4 Violation of each of the following (a-c) is a live-ball foul; the play
is allowed to continue
a Formation. At the snap Team A must be in a formation that meets these
requirements:
1 All players must be inbounds
2 All players must be either linemen or backs (Rule 2-27-4, A R 7-1
4-VIII)
3 At least five linemen must wear jerseys numbered 50 through 79
(Exception: When the snap is from a scrimmage kick formation, par
5 below )
4 No more than four players may be back
The pertinent section is that at least 5 linemen must wear jerseys numbered 50 - 79 unless the snap is from a scrimmage kick formation. ND did not have at least 5 linemen with those numbers. When Kiser got behind the center and took the snap, ND was no longer in a scrimmage kick formation so they were in violation of the rule. I imagine that the purpose of the rule is to make it easier for the defense to identify eligible receivers from ineligible receivers. We can bitch about it all we want but the call was correct.