Michigan Football: 4 Storylines to Follow as U-M Prepares for UNLV

Sep 12, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh reacts to a penalty in the second quarter against the Oregon State Beavers at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

During the second quarter of Saturday’s Oregon State-Michigan game, Beaver punter Nick Porebski ran toward the sideline, setting himself up for rugby style punt. Michigan’s Jeremy Clark ran into the punter after the kick was away. Officials whistled a roughing the kicker penalty on Clark. Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh had a fit claiming the punter was out of the tackle box and there should be no call.

Harbaugh was correct and received an explanation from the Big Ten office.  The NCAA rule follows:

"FI-60 RULE 9 / CONDUCT OF PLAYERS AND OTHERS SUBJECT TO RULES Roughing or Running Into Kicker or Holder—ARTICLE 16 Approved Ruling 9-1-16 VI. Kicker A1, in a scrimmage kick formation, moves laterally two or three steps to recover a faulty snap, or recovers a snap that went over his head and then kicks the ball. He is contacted by B2 in an unsuccessful attempt to block the kick. RULING: A1 does not automatically lose his protection in either case unless he carries the ball outside the tackle box. While in the tackle box A1 is entitled to protection as in any other kicking situation. When it becomes obvious that A1 intends to kick in a normal punting position, defensive players must avoid him after he kicks the ball. VII. Punter A22 is 15 yards behind the neutral zone when he catches the long snap, sprints to his right at an angle toward the line of scrimmage, and runs outside the tackle box. He then stops and punts the ball, and is immediately hit by a diving B89. RULING: Legal play, no foul by B89. A22 loses his roughing or running-into protection by carrying the ball outside the tackle box. Next: Michigan-Notre Dame Series to Resume?"