NCAA Rule 2-19-2: Forward Pass Definition
- A pass is considered forward if the ball first strikes the ground, a player, or anything else beyond the spot where it was released.
- The forward pass starts when:
- A Team A player (usually the quarterback) intentionally moves their hand forward while holding the ball securely.
- If the ball is knocked loose before the hand starts forward, it's ruled a fumble, not a pass.
- If the passer is contacted after the forward motion begins and the ball comes loose, it's still ruled a forward pass, regardless of where it lands
The OU quarterback had the ball in his hand moving forward, it contacted the defender's arm and came loose going backwards. This is an incomplete pass.
Last week, Simpson was no longer holding the ball when his hand started forward resulting in a fumble.