re: Any Referees? Question about "Forward Progress"

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1) The biggest one is the fumble. Seems that the ball was stripped while the runner was still fighting to get back forward and prior to the whistle. If he had broken free, he would have been allowed to gain more yards.

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That is a judgement call. In general, defenses aren't allowed to push a runner back and strip the ball. It wasn't a terrible call IMO.

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2) On a punt a little later the Arkansas player received the ball at around the 38 but while moving backwards. He proceeded to fall on his honey-bone after not being touched and land on the 35 yard line. He was awarded forward progress and the ball was spotted at the 38. Seems like because he was moving back of his own volition that the ball should have been spotted at the place he landed.

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That wasn't forward progress. Forward progress is only applicable when the defender pushes the ball carrier backwards. In the case you are referencing, it was a fair catch. The ball is dead at the point of securing the ball. If there was no fair catch then it was a mistake by the ref.