I was recently watching a college football game and something happened that I didn't understand. There was a kickoff and the ball was returned to the 40 yard line with a blocking in the back penalty. The ball was placed on the 9 yard line and the first down marker was at the 23. Why was that? 2014 NFL Playoffs: In his 58-yard run against the Seahawks, did Colin Kaepernick run out of gas? Why didn't he score?