College Football Overtime Rules Explained: What Every Fan Should Know
College football games are packed with excitement, heart-stopping plays, and nail-biting finishes. But when the score is tied at the end of regulation, things get even more intense. That’s where college football overtime rules come into play. If you’ve ever wondered how overtime works in college football and why it’s different from the NFL, you’re not alone. Understanding these rules can make game day even more thrilling.
This breakdown will walk you through everything you need to know so you can enjoy the next overtime showdown with confidence.
What Are College Football Overtime Rules?
Unlike the NFL’s sudden-death format, overtime rules in college football focus on fairness and excitement by giving both teams an equal chance to score. Each team starts with possession at the opponent’s 25-yard line, and the goal is to either score a touchdown or kick a field goal to gain the lead.
Whether you’re a fan getting ready for the next game or a student tackling a sports-related paper and thinking, “I wish someone could help me write an essay on this topic,” this guide will make it simple to understand overtime in college football. And if you’re considering a writing service like DoMyEssay to assist with research or editing, you’ll have a clearer idea of what to include in your analysis.
The Structure of Overtime in College Football
Overtime in college football is broken into a series of possessions, often referred to as “innings” or “periods.” Here’s how the process typically unfolds:
- Coin Toss: Just like the start of the game, there’s a coin toss before overtime begins. The winning team can choose to play offense or defense first.
- Starting at the 25-Yard Line: Each team starts their possession at the opponent’s 25-yard line and has four downs to either gain a first down or score.
- Matching or Surpassing Scores: If the first team scores a touchdown or field goal, the second team must match or beat that score to stay in the game.
This back-and-forth continues until one team outscores the other during their respective possession.
What Happens After Two Overtime Periods?
In 2019, a new set of rules was introduced to prevent games from dragging on too long. If the game is still tied after two full overtime periods, the format changes:
- Third Overtime: Both teams must attempt a two-point conversion after a touchdown.
- Fourth Overtime and Beyond: The game shifts to alternating two-point conversion attempts instead of starting possessions at the 25-yard line.
This change was designed to maintain the excitement without pushing players to physical exhaustion in marathon games.
Controversies and Debate Around Overtime Rules
Despite their exciting nature, overtime college football rules have sparked debates among fans, coaches, and analysts. Some argue that starting at the 25-yard line gives an advantage to the offense, making it easier to score. Others believe the two-point conversion format adds unnecessary pressure on players.
Regardless of the opinions, these rules undeniably add drama and memorable moments. Think of the seven-overtime battle between Texas A&M and LSU in 2018—games like that remind fans why they love college football.
Key Differences Between College and NFL Overtime
To really understand why college football’s overtime rules are so distinct, let’s compare them to the NFL:
- Starting Position: College teams begin at the opponent’s 25-yard line, while NFL teams must drive the full length of the field.
- Scoring Requirements: In the NFL, a field goal in the first possession doesn’t guarantee a win for the kicking team, but a touchdown does. In college, both teams have a shot no matter what happens.
- Two-Point Conversions: College rules introduce mandatory two-point conversions after the second overtime period, making it more challenging to rack up points.
Final Thoughts
Understanding overtime rules in college football can make every close game more exciting. Whether you’re cheering from the stands or watching from home, knowing how each possession unfolds gives you a better appreciation for the strategy and drama on the field.
College football’s overtime format adds an unpredictable element that makes every tie game unforgettable. So, the next time your favorite team heads into overtime, you’ll know exactly what’s happening—and why those two-point conversions could make or break the game.
