NFL Overtime Vs. College Football Overtime - Why Both Systems Need Rule Changes

The NFL and NCAA Need to Modify Their Overtime Rules

Joshua Huffman
The 2009 NFL season opened Thursday night with a bang The first game resulted in the season's first overtime as the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Tennessee Titans 13-10. The Steelers scored on the opening drive of overtime as they snatched victory from the jaws of defeat.

And as everyone knows, the sudden death controversy arises whenever a NFL game goes into overtime.

While the NCAA overtime is probably fairer than NFL overtime, I prefer the NFL's overtime system. NFL overtime is more exciting and has more emphasis on each play. You can lose the game on any play in the NFL overtime format. In the college overtime format, you strategize around that by getting the ball second. That takes away from the excitement since the odd-numbered drives can always be countered.

The biggest problem I have with NCAA overtime has to do with field position. The teams start in field goal range to begin with. You can get sacked, gain no yards after that, and still score three. Why not just start teams via kickoff or inside their own 20? It's silly when a game is 17-17 going into overtime and ends up in the fifties. I'm anxious for a game to be tied in the forties and advance about eight overtimes. A 92-90 final? Awesome.

I would have no qualms with the NFL overtime system if they'd eliminate the coin toss. It's bad enough they use it before kickoff, but to put the fate of overtime in the randomness of a coin flip? The home team should get the choice of receiving, kicking, or defending first in overtime. In the Super Bowl, the team with the best record would get to choose.

Then again, if teams would finish their business during regulation like they were supposed to do.

Published by Joshua Huffman - Featured Contributor in Sports

Graduated from Middle Tennessee State as a Marketing major in 2009. Following this, I completed a 20-game Volunteer Position with the '10 USHL Champion Green Bay Gamblers. Currently, I spend my time with fre...   View profile

4 Comments

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  • Joshua Huffman 3/29/2010

    Uh, no dude. You can decide upon which part of the field you would like and let the other team decide upon kick or receive. Seriously, you didn't know that?

  • Derrick 3/29/2010

    You're an idiot. "How to fix this: home field advantage. The home team will get the choice of receiving, kicking, or defending first in overtime." I believe kicking and defending first is the same thing? Sorry, think it through a little more please.

  • Randy Inman 9/14/2009

    I change my mind often on which overtime system I like. I can see the advantages of both. Nice article.

  • Mrs. Heart 9/12/2009

    Great article for all men who love sports.

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