Iowa fake punt ends with punter tripping, falling in backfield (Video)

The Iowa Hawkeyes tried a fake punt early against the Michigan Wolverines and it ended worse than anyone could have imagined.

Even at home, a team like the Iowa Hawkeyes has to do whatever they can to get an advantage against the Michigan Wolverines. Whether that means adopting a special strategy for the game, adjusting personnel, or even running trick plays, they’ve got to put all hands on deck. That’s what the Hawkeyes tried to do midway through the first quarter in a tie game against the Wolverines. However, their attempt went just about as poorly as possible.

With the game still scoreless and Iowa backed up in their own territory, they deemed it the perfect time to catch Michigan off guard with a fake punt. Punter Ron Coluzzi got the snap clean, which is about the only positive you can say about the play. Because from there, it went downhill fast.

For starters, the Wolverines busted through the coverage up front quickly and were in the backfield. That left the punter running for his life out to the left. Rather than making a play with his legs and running for a gain, though, he couldn’t even get to the edge before tripping over his own feet. That caused him to somersault to the ground and a subsequent turnover on downs:

It’s one thing to try a fake punt when you’re backed up in that position. Trying that play and having the punter trip before he can even try to make a move makes it one of the most hilarious follies of the season.

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While Coluzzi’s running back prospects went up in flames in one play (and somersault to the ground), Michigan didn’t get as good of field position as they’d hope. A late hit was ruled targeting, which cost them 15 yards and got him ejected. The Wolverines still notched a field goal, though, to take the lead.