The language of sports has changed dramatically over the years. In the past, a coach might tell the media that all he wanted from his team was its best effort and it didn't matter if the game ended in a "win, loss or tie." Legendary Alabama head coach Bear Bryant declared that "a tie is like kissing your sister." Ties had been part of the college football landscape for decades, but that came to an end in 1996.
No More Ties
Before the 1996 season, the NCAA voted to play overtime if games were tied after 60 minutes. College football overtime guarantees each team an equal number of possessions and that the game will not end in a tie. Instead, after a coin flip that decides who gets possession of the ball first, each team starts at the opponent's 25-yard line and tries to score. The possession is not timed, but teams must gain a first down within four downs. The possession ends with a touchdown, field goal or change of possession. After the first team with the ball ends a possession, the other team gets an opportunity to score. An unlimited number of possessions are possible until the game is over.
Difference From Pro Overtime
In the NFL regular season, tie games result in one 15-minute sudden death overtime period. In that period, the first team that scores wins the game. If neither team scores in 15 minutes, the game ends in a tie. The rules change in the postseason, where the overtime periods go on without end until one team scores. Also, both teams get at least one possession if the first team that receives the ball scores on a field goal in its first possession.
Notre Dame-Michigan State
The most famous tie in college football history occurred during the 1966 season when an undefeated Notre Dame team traveled to Michigan State to play the undefeated Spartans. Both teams brought a perfect 9-0-0 mark into that game that reporters had dubbed "the game of the century." Late in the game, Notre Dame had the ball deep in its own territory. Head coach Ara Parseghian chose a conservative approach because he did not want to risk a turnover. The game ended in a 10-10 tie and Parseghian was criticized throughout his career for his lack of aggression when the game was on the line.
Criticism of Overtime
The overtime session in college football has been criticized on a couple of fronts. The biggest is that it eliminates kickoffs and punts from the gameplan. If a team has a top kickoff returner, it can use that player's talents. The untimed aspect of the game also has been derided. The clock rules football, but in overtime a team does not have to concern itself with that aspect because the game will be played until a tie is broken.
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