What occurs if a team fails to break the huddle with the correct number of players?

When a team fails to break the huddle with the correct number of players on the field, it results in an illegal formation penalty. This typically happens when there are fewer than seven players on the line of scrimmage or if there are too many players on the field. The penalty for this infraction is a loss of five yards.

This situation is important because proper formation is critical for ensuring a fair and safe play. The rules are designed to keep the game structured and prevent teams from gaining an unfair advantage through improper setups. By enforcing a five-yard penalty for an illegal formation, the rules help maintain the integrity of the game while promoting adherence to proper playing standards. The other options do not appropriately reflect the nature of the penalty associated with breaking the huddle with an incorrect number of players, which reinforces why this answer is correct.