Tennessee’s recovered kick leaves rule question after Texas win
The Volunteers recovered a late drop-kick onside attempt, but its apparent position behind the restraining line prompted questions about the ruling.
Tennessee recovered a late drop-kick onside kick in its 20–17 loss to Texas, keeping alive a chance to tie or take the lead. Whether the kick complied with the rules remains unclear.
After Faizon Brandon threw a 30-yard touchdown pass to Mike Matthews with 1:22 remaining, Jackson Ross kicked the ball. It bounced off Texas receiver Ryan Wingo and was recovered by Arion Carter. Officials initially threw a flag, then picked it up after conferring.
Yahoo Sports reported that the kick appeared to be made about two yards behind Tennessee’s restraining line. The NCAA rule quoted in the report requires a free kick to be made from the kicking team’s restraining line, with an exception after a safety when a punt or drop kick is used.
The report does not establish whether that exception or another aspect of the rule applied, or whether the apparent position affected the recovery. Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said he would seek a ruling on the unusual kick.
Tennessee’s final Hail Mary fell incomplete, and Texas held on for the 20–17 win.
