College football absolutely has an overtime period. If a game is tied at the end of regulation, which is typically 60 minutes divided into four quarters, the game moves into overtime to determine a winner. The NCAA established the current overtime rules in 1996. Before that year, games could end in a tie, which wasn’t exactly satisfying for the teams or the fans. As a huge fan myself, I often find the overtime rules to be both thrilling and nerve-wracking.
Here’s how it works: Each team gets possession of the ball on the opponent's 25-yard line, and they continue to play until one team outscores the other in a series of alternating possessions. This is different from the NFL’s sudden death format, where the game can end on a single score. Looking back to a particularly memorable game, the 2003 Fiesta Bowl between Ohio State and Miami went into double overtime, and it was nothing short of exhilarating.
In overtime, the clock doesn’t really play a role the way it does during regular quarters; teams have to play to score while preventing their opponent from scoring. It’s a true test of skill, strategy, and nerves. When you’ve got two evenly matched teams, overtime can sometimes stretch into multiple periods. In fact, the longest game in college football history took place in 2001 when Arkansas faced Ole Miss. That game went into seven overtimes! The players must have been exhausted, but man, what a game to watch!
If we talk about statistics, considering the average college game already runs about 3.5 hours from kickoff to the final whistle, adding an overtime period can stretch games close to 4 hours or longer. Check out this comprehensive guide on College Football Game Length for more details.
The rules have evolved over the years for player safety and to add excitement. For example, starting in 2021, teams must attempt a two-point conversion after a touchdown beginning in the second overtime period, instead of starting in the third overtime as had been the case since 1996. And starting with the third overtime, teams have to run single-play two-point conversion attempts instead of traditional possessions. Think about it, you're strategically managing every play, making every second count. What a game-changer!
These changes reflect ongoing discussions about the sport's safety and its entertainment value. Another well-known game, the 2018 college football playoff semifinal between Georgia and Oklahoma, exemplified why overtime rules exist. The game was tied at 45-45 at the end of regulation, and Georgia eventually won 54-48 in double overtime. You could practically feel the tension and excitement through the TV screen.
It’s interesting to see how the rules differ slightly between college football and the NFL. College football rules aim to provide both teams with an equal opportunity to possess the ball and score, leading to what many believe is a fairer outcome. For those like me who love the competitive spirit of college football, these overtime rules add an extra layer of excitement.
Especially when championships are on the line, overtime can turn players into legends. Vince Young’s performance in the 2006 Rose Bowl, where Texas beat USC 41-38, is still fresh in my mind. It didn't go to overtime, but the way it unfolded in the last minutes provided the same edge-of-your-seat excitement that overtime consistently delivers.
In sum, the overtime format in college football elevates the drama and excitement of the sport. It’s designed to ensure a clear winner while maintaining fairness, and it does an excellent job at that. As much as I love watching a tight game go into overtime, I can only imagine the pressure and intensity players feel. One thing is for sure, though: for fans, there’s nothing quite like it.