I think the rule is that if kicked into the end zone, and the ball isn't touched by the receiving team, it is a dead ball.
If it is touched by the receiving team, it is a live ball, however the receiving team can elect not to run it back and then it moves to the 25.
If it falls short of the end zone, it is a live ball. It acts just like an onside kick; it can be recovered by the kicking team, whether it is touched or not.
Austin had to either catch the ball, or not catch the ball and hope it bounced into the end the zone.
It was a very good play by the Bucs, perfect kick, and Austin had little choice in the matter.
The field was wet and slippery and there was little he could do.
