The Mechanics of a Game-Ending Field Goal Block
In field goal protection, standard NFL and collegiate execution requires an unyielding snap-to-kick delivery between 1.25 and 1.30 seconds (0.70s long snap, 0.55s setup and plant). With Georgia Tech attempting to win as time expired trailing 14-13, Colorado's defensive front achieved extraordinary interior A-gap penetration (over 2.4 yards past the line of scrimmage).
Because field goal kicks launch from 7 yards behind the line of scrimmage, an interior rusher penetrating 2.45 yards reduces the flight distance to collision to just 4.55 yards. At a 31° launch angle, the ball's elevation at that point is approximately 2.15 meters—well within maximum leaping reach and arm extension (2.47m reach envelope). Colorado's fingertip deflection sealed the 14-13 upset.