Navigating the College Football Overtime Rulebook
Navigating the College Football Overtime Rulebook can seem daunting for fans, players, and even some coaches. The rules are designed to ensure a fair and competitive conclusion to a game that cannot be settled in regulation time, but their complexity often leads to confusion. Understanding these protocols can enhance your appreciation of the sport and improve strategic decisions on the field. Let’s walk through the critical aspects of the college football overtime (OT) rulebook.
Starting with the Coin Toss
In college football, the overtime process begins with a coin toss. Similar to the start of the game, the winner of the toss can choose one of three options: to play offense, to play defense, or to choose which end of the field to defend. The opposing team then gets the remaining choice. This single coin toss dictates starting positions for all subsequent overtimes, which differ from the NFL where a new toss is done for each OT period.
Structure of Overtime Periods
Overtime in college football is structured into distinct periods, with each team having equal chances to score. Both teams start from the opponent’s 25-yard line. They continue playing until a winner is determined. Initially, teams are given a chance to match