College Football Overtime Rules Explained

2 min read 25-11-2024

College Football Overtime Rules Explained

Overtime is one of the most thrilling aspects of college football. It's a system designed to ensure a winner is crowned when the score is tied at the end of four quarters. However, the rules governing overtime can be complex and confusing, leaving fans and even players scratching their heads. In this article, we'll break down the college football overtime rules, providing a clear and concise explanation of how the system works.

Overtime Structure

In college football, overtime is played as a series of possessions, with each team having the opportunity to score. The overtime structure consists of multiple rounds, with each round featuring a series of plays from a predetermined spot on the field.

First Overtime

The first overtime begins with a coin toss, where the visiting team calls the toss. The winning team chooses whether to play offense or defense, and the ball is placed at the opponent's 25-yard line. The offense will then play a series of four downs (plays) to score. If they score a touchdown, the extra point attempt is good, and the overtime is over. If they fail to score, the ball is turned over to the other team.

Subsequent Overtimes

If the score remains tied after the first overtime, the game proceeds to subsequent overtime periods. The teams switch roles, with the team that played defense in the first overtime now playing offense, and vice versa. The ball is again placed at the opponent's 25-yard line, and the teams play another series of four downs.

Two-Point Conversions

Starting from the third overtime, teams are required to attempt a two-point conversion after scoring a touchdown. This adds an extra layer of strategy, as teams must decide whether to play it safe with an extra point attempt or go for the win with a two-point conversion.

Overtime Continues

The overtime periods continue until one team outscores the other in a single overtime period. The team that scores the most points in an overtime period wins the game.

Key Takeaways

To summarize, here are the key aspects of college football overtime rules:

Coin toss: The visiting team calls the toss, and the winning team chooses to play offense or defense.
Ball placement: The ball is placed at the opponent's 25-yard line for each overtime period.
Four downs: Teams have four downs to score from the 25-yard line.
Two-point conversions: Required starting from the third overtime.
Overtime continues: The game continues until one team outscores the other in a single overtime period.

By understanding these rules, you'll be better equipped to appreciate the excitement and strategy involved in college football overtime.