holder for field goal kicker

Question
Holder for the field goal kicker receives the snap, and while knee is still on ground, flips the ball backwards to the kicker who runs in for a TD.  Should the play be whistled dead at the point his knee was on the ground when he flipped the ball backwards?

Answer
Hi Brian
Thanks for your question. There is an exception under the NCAA rules concerning a downed player (dead ball). The holder may when in a kick formation with a player in position to kick the ball may receive a snap and either hold the ball for the place kick, pass or hand off from a kneeling position or get up and run.  The play is live.  There was a controversial play involving LSU over the last couple years but the play was not deemed illegal.


Here is another play involving a holder that was allowed (ND vs. USC)  
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ed80IJYHbLU

I am not certain that the officials got this correct it may have been a hide out play which is unfair an tactic.  There is no way to run a "Hide-out play" legally.  I did not see the play live and the crew working the game are top notch officials and I am sure the LJ was watching for illegal substitution or Hide out plays.  To truly comment on this play we would need to see the previous play from an angle that shows all the players coming onto the field and going off the field.  Rule 9-2-2b governs hide out plays and makes them illegal.
RULE 9  ARTICLE 2.  UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT FOULS
Unfair Tactics
ARTICLE 2.
b. No simulated replacements or substitutions may be used to confuse opponents. No tactic associated with substitutes or the substitution process may be used to confuse opponents (Rule 3-5-2-e) (A.R. 9-2-2-I- VII).
PENALTY Live-ball foul. 15 yards from the previous spot [S27]. Flagrant offenders shall be disqualified [S47].