[Husker] Last play of the Texas game question (or two) (fwd)

[Steve Cornelius]

On 10/24/06, Smith, William <wsmith at towson.edu> wrote:
>
> I don't know if this is what the original post meant by "free kick"... but
> my sense of this term has always been the that a team may use a "free kick",
> much like a kickoff, to attempt an FG after a fair catch (including a fair
> catch from a kickoff.)
>
> This option is seldom used.  I don't think I've ever seen it in all my
> years watching football.  But I do hear about it.  Imagine a team ahead by 3
> points or less, in the final minute of the game, facing fourth down on their
> own five yard line.  It's certainly possible.
>
> Bill Smith
> Towson, MD



The only time I've seen the free kick used was back in the '60s when the
Bears won a game with a late field goal. I know it was the '60s because the
game was played at Wrigley Field and the goal posts at the time were flush
with the goal line (not set back 10 years like they are today) making it a
shorter field goal attempt. The opponents punted out of their endzone and
the ball was fair caught at midfield. The ball was lined up on a tee (like a
kickoff) and the kicker (either Mac Percival or Roger LeClerc) made the
kick. The advantage of this type of kick is that there is no chance of a
block and no chance of a mishandled snap (unless the ball blows off the
tee!).

Back in those days, home games were not televised so I remember hearing the
play on the radio and then watching the FILMED highlights at night! No
video.

-- 
Steve Cornelius
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