Dumb “continuous action” college rule allowed spike fumble
“The officials allowed BYU to recover the fumble—despite an early whistle—because video review confirmed a clear recovery of a loose ball in the immediate continuing action.
What Happened on the Play
• The Mishandle: Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr botched the snap on an attempted spike to stop the clock at the end of the first half. Instead of cleanly securing it, he pushed the ball toward the ground.
• The Whistle: Officials blew an inadvertent/premature whistle and signaled an incomplete pass while the ball was still loose on the turf.
• The Recovery: BYU's defense jumped on the ball immediately afterward.
Why It Was Kept as a Turnover
• Immediate Continuing Action Rule: Under college football officiating rules (such as NCAA loose-ball/inadvertent whistle exceptions), if a fumble occurs and a clear recovery is made by either team in the immediate continuing action right after the whistle, the possession stands as a valid turnover rather than forcing a replay of the down.
• Replay Confirmation: Upon video review, the officiating crew determined that Carr never possessed the spike cleanly and that BYU secured a legitimate recovery right away, awarding them the football.”