Nevada kick returner thinks twice about return, back pedals into safety (Video)

Nevada kick returner Ahki Muhammad takes one step outside of end zone before deciding to kneel down for a touchback.

The game between Notre Dame and Nevada in South Bend was a relatively uneventful one through one quarter. The teams went into the 2nd quarter scoreless and both teams failed to find an offensive rhythm.  After a 21-yard field goal, a Notre Dame touchdown, and a missed extra point, the Irish led 9-0 into the 2nd quarter.

The uneventful nature of the afternoon took a turn after Notre Dame was kicking off with 10:35 left in the 2nd quarter. As is well known, the easiest thing to do when returning a kick in football is simply kneel and take a touchback. However, that idea only works if you’re able to stay IN the end zone.

Nevada kick returner Ahki Muhammad emerged from the end zone on what looked like a routine return, only to second guess his decision at the last second. Muhammad positioned himself under the kick right on the edge of the goal line ready and willing to return the kick.

After taking one step forward out of the end zone, Muhammad seems to lose track of his positioning on the field. After surveying the coverage, he then takes one step back into the end zone before kneeling down for what he thinks will be a touchback.

After a little confusion with the referees, the official verdict was a safety and an 11-0 lead for Notre Dame. Muhammad was left to shake his head in disbelief as he prepared to cover the free kick back to the Irish. Although Notre Dame quarterback DeShone Kizer spoiled the momentum momentarily with an interception the next drive, the Irish defense got the ball back shortly thereafter.

Notre Dame ended up taking a 25-0 lead over Nevada at the half and deflating their opponents confidence after a closely contested first quarter.