College football fans often get excited when they hear commentators say, “free football,” which refers to overtime. However, the overtime rules in college football can be complex. This article explains everything you need to know about college football overtime, including how it works and the rules for 2-point conversions.
Overtime in college football is designed to eliminate ties, unlike the NFL where regular-season games can end in a tie. The rules have evolved over the years to create a more streamlined and exciting finish. Here’s a breakdown of the key aspects of college football overtime:
This article will cover the basic overtime format, the changes that occur in subsequent overtime periods, and the specific rules regarding 2-point conversions. Understanding these rules can enhance your appreciation for the game and the strategic decisions made by coaches.
Basic Overtime Rules in College Football
College football overtime rules differ significantly from those in the NFL. The main objective is to ensure a winner is decided, eliminating the possibility of a tie. Here’s how it works:
No Kickoffs: Overtime begins without a kickoff. Instead, each team gets a possession starting at the opponent’s 25-yard line.
Guaranteed Possession: Each team is guaranteed one possession to score. This possession can result in a touchdown, field goal, or no score at all.
Coin Toss: Before overtime begins, a coin toss determines which team gets the choice to start on offense or defense. Most teams opt to start on defense to know the number of points they need to either tie or win the game.
Scoring: If the first team scores a touchdown, the opposing team gets a chance to match that score. If the first team kicks a field goal, the opposing team can either score a touchdown to win, kick a field goal to continue to another overtime, or fail to score, thus losing the game.
These rules ensure that each team has a fair chance to respond and either win the game or extend it further.
Second Overtime and 2-Point Conversions
If the game remains tied after the first overtime, the rules change slightly to increase the pressure and excitement. Here’s what happens:
Possession Reversal: The team that started on offense in the first overtime now starts on defense, and vice versa.
Mandatory 2-Point Conversions: Teams are no longer allowed to kick an extra point (PAT) after scoring a touchdown. They must attempt a 2-point conversion.
This rule adds a layer of strategy and risk, as teams must decide whether to go for the more challenging 2-point conversion or risk not scoring at all. According to NCAA rules, “if the game is tied after the first overtime, teams must attempt a 2-point conversion after any touchdown scored.”
The emphasis on 2-point conversions from the second overtime onward ensures that games are more likely to end decisively and quickly.
Alternating 2-Point Conversion Rule
To further expedite the overtime process, college football introduced the alternating 2-point conversion rule. Here’s how it works:
Starting from the Third Overtime: If the game is still tied after the second overtime, teams begin alternating 2-point conversion attempts.
Alternating Attempts: Each team gets one attempt at a 2-point conversion, and this continues until one team succeeds while the other fails.
No More Possessions from the 25-Yard Line: After the second overtime, teams no longer start their possessions from the 25-yard line; instead, they go directly to the 2-point conversion attempts.
This rule was implemented to reduce the length of overtime games and increase the drama. A statement from the NCAA explained that the change was made to “enhance player safety by reducing the number of plays from scrimmage and to provide exciting and high-stakes moments.”
Historical Context of Overtime Rules
The overtime rules in college football have evolved significantly since their inception. Here’s a look at the key changes:
Pre-1996: Before 1996, college football games ended in a tie if the score was level after regulation time.
1996 Introduction: Overtime was introduced for bowl games in 1995 and then for all games starting in the 1996 season. This marked a significant change, ensuring that games would have a definitive winner.
Pre-2019: Before 2019, if the game was tied after the second overtime, regular overtime rules continued until the fifth overtime, at which point teams began alternating 2-point conversions.
2019 Changes: Starting in 2019, the alternating 2-point conversion rule was moved to the third overtime to shorten the games and increase excitement.
These changes reflect the NCAA’s ongoing efforts to balance player safety with the desire for exciting and conclusive game endings.
Impact of Overtime Rules on Game Strategy
The overtime rules significantly influence coaching decisions and game strategy. Here’s how:
Coin Toss Importance: Winning the coin toss is crucial as it allows the winning team to decide whether to start on offense or defense, giving them a strategic advantage.
Aggressiveness: Coaches often become more aggressive in overtime, particularly when it comes to 4th down decisions and play-calling, knowing they have limited possessions.
2-Point Conversion Preparation: Teams must practice 2-point conversion plays extensively, as these become critical from the second overtime onward.
Risk Assessment: Coaches must carefully assess the risks and rewards of each decision, balancing the need to score with the possibility of giving the opponent an advantage.
As noted by ESPN, “the strategic elements introduced by the overtime rules add a layer of complexity to the game, making it more exciting for fans and challenging for coaches.”
Conclusion
College football overtime rules provide a thrilling and definitive conclusion to games that are tied after regulation time. Understanding these rules, including the basic overtime format, the mandatory 2-point conversions, and the alternating conversion attempts, enhances the viewing experience and allows fans to appreciate the strategic decisions made by coaches.
The evolution of these rules, from the initial implementation in 1996 to the more recent changes aimed at shortening games and increasing excitement, reflects the NCAA’s commitment to balancing player safety with the desire for captivating game endings.
Whether you’re a seasoned fan or new to college football, knowing the intricacies of overtime rules will undoubtedly deepen your appreciation for the sport and the high-stakes moments it delivers.
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