If this is Chip Kelly‘s last game as Oregon’s head coach, he’s going out in style.
Up 21 points on Kansas State in the third quarter following a Marcus Mariota touchdown, the Ducks lined up to attempt an extra point. The kick was blocked, recovered by Kansas State and pitched backward into the end zone to Wildcats receiver Chris Harper, who was tackled. What transpired next was along the lines a Loch Ness Monster sighting.
Official Ron Cherry walked to the middle field and announced “an unusual ruling” that resulted in a one-point safety for Oregon. It essentially counted as the extra point that was blocked. Here’s video of Cherry attempting to explain what he just saw. Yes, he was a trooper about it.
Just how Kelly drew it up.
Twitter sourcing tells us that the one-point safety can be found in Rule 8, Section 3, Article 2, Subsection I in the NCAA’s rulebook.
No. 5 Oregon leads No. 7 Kansas State 32-10 in the third quarter.