What Are the College Football Overtime Rules?

What Are the College Football Overtime Rules?

In American college football, the game is typically played to 3 points until one team has scored three touchdowns. If neither team scores in the first 15 minutes of the half-time break, an extra period known as overtime begins. In this period, teams continue playing with no time limit for each quarter until one team scores at least two more points than the other or if all players on the field have been substituted out. The overtime consists of four quarters and lasts approximately 20 minutes. The team that scores the most points wins the game after overtime ends.

To further elaborate on these rules:

  1. Time Limitation: Unlike professional football where there’s a strict 4-minute rule, college football allows up to 6 minutes per quarter in overtime. This flexibility ensures that games can be decided within a reasonable timeframe.

  2. Substitutions: After every goal (touchdown) scored during regular play, both teams must switch their starting five players. However, substitutions cannot occur during any part of the final 15 minutes of the half-time break before overtime starts. Substitutions become possible once the clock stops running in overtime.

  3. Special Teams Play: In addition to traditional offensive and defensive plays, special teams like kickers and punters also feature prominently in overtime. These units often score pivotal goals that can determine the outcome of the game.

  4. Team Strategy: Given the shorter duration of overtime compared to NFL, college coaches may focus more heavily on quick decision-making strategies rather than deep strategic planning. They might prioritize maximizing scoring opportunities quickly over meticulously plotting long-term victories.

  5. Scoring: Scoring in overtime follows the same rules as in normal football—each touchdown counts for 7 points, while field goals count for 3 points. However, since the game doesn’t last longer than the end of regulation plus the extra period, it’s crucial for teams to maintain high energy levels throughout the entire game.

  1. What are the differences between college football overtime rules compared to those in professional leagues?

    • In professional football, the overtime period is limited to 15 minutes, whereas in college football, it extends to 20 minutes.

  2. How does the lack of a time limit affect the strategy and execution of plays in overtime?

    • With fewer minutes available, teams must execute plays more efficiently to maximize their chances of scoring. Quick decisions and decisive action are key components of successful overtime strategies.

  3. Is overtime considered a crucial part of the game in college football?

    • While not as significant as in professional football due to its relatively short length, overtime still holds importance. It can be the deciding factor in close games, adding an element of unpredictability and excitement to the overall season.