NCAA tweaks format to football overtime

College football teams will have to go for 2 after touchdowns starting with the second overtime possession, and beginning in the third round each team will get one play to score from the 3-yard line.

The NCAA playing rules oversight panel on Thursday approved a proposal made last month by the playing rules committee to tweak the overtime format.

The OT recommendation was based on player safety and intended to reduce the number of plays it takes for a winner to be determined.

The new rule will have teams run alternating 2-point plays in the third OT instead of starting another drive at the opponent’s 25-yard line. The 2-point shootout currently starts in the fifth OT.

Teams could still choose whether to kick the point after TD or run a 2-point play in the first OT.

Golf: Teammates Brice Garnett and Scott Stallings birdied eight of their last 11 holes, Viktor Hovland and Kris Ventura birdied nine of their final 12, and both teams shot an opening-round 10-under 62 in best-ball format for a share of a one-shot lead at the Zurich Classic outside of New Orleans.

NBA: PG Trae Young left the Hawks’ OT loss to the Knicks on Wednesday night after suffering a Grade 2 lateral ankle sprain. He will return to the lineup once the swelling and discomfort subside . ... ESPN reported that Wizards rookie F Deni Avdija will miss the rest of the season after suffering a hairline fracture in his right ankle during Wednesday night’s win over the Warriors. He will not need surgery.

NHL: The NHL is planning to open the 2021-22 season Oct. 12, ESPN reported. Training camps would open Sept. 22.

Soccer: German league teams will quarantine starting early next month so the season can be finished on time after a spate of coronavirus cases sidelined teams and put pressure on the schedule.