Missouri Tigers Sheldon Richardson goes head over heels in an attempt to block a punt. UPI/Bill Greenblatt

With just over four minutes to play in the first half, Missouri Tigers defensive end Sheldon Richardson was flagged for a 15-yard personal foul penalty for leaping. The foul gave Vandy the ball back after they were set to punt from Mizzou’s 36 and it led to the Commodore’s first touchdown.  The penalty gave Vandy the ball at the 21 and four plays later, Zac Stacy ran it in from two yards out putting the Tigers down 9-6.

AUDIO Pinkel responds to Richardson penalty (:30)

According to the NCAA’s website, the new rule was put in place this season. “The new rule prohibits players from leaping over blockers in an attempt to block a punt. Receiving-team players trying to jump over a shield-blocking scheme has become popular for teams in punt formation. Receiving-team players try to defeat this scheme by rushing into the backfield to block a punt. In some cases, these players are contacted and end up flipping in the air and landing on their head or shoulders.”

The Football Rules Committee raised concerns about this type of action and proposed a rule similar to the leaping rule on place kicks that does not allow the receiving team to jump over blockers, unless the player jumps straight up or between two players.

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