Does College Football Go Into Overtime? And Why Do We Still Argue About the Coin Toss?

Does College Football Go Into Overtime? And Why Do We Still Argue About the Coin Toss?

College football, a sport deeply rooted in tradition and passion, has long been a source of endless debates, thrilling moments, and, yes, overtime drama. But does college football go into overtime? The answer is a resounding yes, but the journey to that answer is filled with twists, turns, and a surprising amount of existential questions about the nature of competition. Let’s dive into the intricacies of college football overtime, its rules, its controversies, and why it feels like the coin toss might secretly control the universe.

The Basics of College Football Overtime

Unlike the NFL, college football has its own unique overtime system, designed to ensure fairness and excitement. Here’s how it works:

  1. The Setup: If the game is tied at the end of regulation, the teams enter overtime. Each team gets a possession starting at the opponent’s 25-yard line. The goal? Score as many points as possible.

  2. Alternating Possessions: Teams alternate possessions. If one team scores a touchdown, the other gets a chance to match or surpass it. This continues until one team outscores the other in a round.

  3. Two-Point Conversion Rule: Starting in the third overtime, teams must attempt a two-point conversion after a touchdown instead of kicking an extra point. This rule was introduced to prevent games from dragging on indefinitely (looking at you, 7OT marathon games).

  4. No Field Goals in Later OTs: In the fifth overtime and beyond, teams can no longer attempt field goals. It’s touchdowns or bust, adding an extra layer of pressure.

Why College Football Overtime Is a Fan Favorite

College football overtime is often hailed as one of the most exciting systems in sports. Here’s why:

  1. Guaranteed Drama: Unlike the NFL’s sudden-death format, college football ensures both teams get a chance to score. This creates a back-and-forth tension that keeps fans on the edge of their seats.

  2. Strategic Depth: Coaches must make critical decisions about whether to go for a touchdown, settle for a field goal, or attempt a two-point conversion. These choices can make or break a game.

  3. Unpredictability: With each possession starting at the 25-yard line, anything can happen. A single defensive stop or a miraculous touchdown can shift the momentum entirely.

The Controversies Surrounding Overtime

Of course, no system is perfect, and college football overtime has its fair share of critics. Here are some of the most common complaints:

  1. The Coin Toss Debate: Some argue that winning the coin toss gives a team an unfair advantage, as they get to choose whether to play offense or defense first. Others counter that the alternating possessions balance this out.

  2. Exhaustion Factor: Overtime games can be physically and mentally draining, especially if they go into multiple overtimes. Players are pushed to their limits, raising concerns about safety and performance.

  3. The “Too Many Points” Argument: Critics claim that the college system inflates scores, making games feel less authentic. After all, a 50-50 tie turning into a 70-68 final score can feel a bit surreal.

Memorable Overtime Moments in College Football History

College football overtime has given us some of the most unforgettable moments in sports history. Here are a few highlights:

  1. The 7OT Epic: In 2018, Texas A&M and LSU battled it out in a record-breaking 7OT game that ended with a 74-72 victory for the Aggies. This game showcased the endurance and determination of both teams.

  2. The “Bush Push” Game: While not an overtime game, the 2005 Notre Dame vs. USC matchup is often cited as a reason why overtime exists. The controversial ending led to renewed discussions about ensuring every game has a clear winner.

  3. The Kick-Six in Overtime: In 2013, Auburn’s miraculous Kick-Six against Alabama didn’t happen in overtime, but it’s a reminder of how one play can change everything—something overtime thrives on.

The Philosophical Side of Overtime

Beyond the rules and the drama, college football overtime raises deeper questions about competition and fairness. Is it better to have a clear winner, even if it means bending the rules of regulation play? Or should ties be accepted as a natural outcome of evenly matched teams? The debate continues, much like the endless overtimes themselves.

FAQs About College Football Overtime

Q: How many overtimes can a college football game have?
A: There’s no official limit, but rules like the two-point conversion requirement and the elimination of field goals in later overtimes are designed to prevent games from going on indefinitely.

Q: Has a college football game ever ended in a tie?
A: Not since the introduction of overtime in 1996. Before that, ties were a common occurrence.

Q: Why doesn’t college football use the NFL’s sudden-death format?
A: College football prioritizes giving both teams an equal opportunity to score, which many fans and analysts believe creates a fairer and more exciting system.

Q: Can a game end in a tie if both teams keep scoring the same way?
A: No. The alternating possession format ensures that one team will eventually outscore the other, even if it takes multiple overtimes.

In conclusion, college football overtime is a thrilling, controversial, and uniquely American institution. It’s a system that embodies the spirit of competition, the unpredictability of sports, and the endless debates that make college football so beloved. So the next time you find yourself asking, “Does college football go into overtime?” remember that the answer is just the beginning of the story.