NCAA tweaks rules for OT
The NCAA made a pair of rule changes Thursday regarding college football overtime, effective for the 2021 season.
Starting with the second overtime period, teams will be required to go for a 2point conversion. Previously, that was required beginning in the third overtime.
And if a game reaches triple overtime, teams will alternate running 2-point plays instead of beginning drives at the opponent’s 25yard line. Previously, 2point plays were required starting in the fifth overtime.
According to the NCAA’s announcement, the latter change was made “to limit the number of plays from scrimmage and bring the game to a quicker conclusion.” Three years ago, Texas A&M and LSU played a seven-overtime game in College Station — tying for the longest in history — won 74-72 by the Aggies in the highest-scoring game in FBS history. That spawned rule changes that were further tweaked Thursday.
Some other notable changes:
• The team area was permanently extended to the 20-yard lines from the 25. Last season, it was temporarily expanded to the 15 to allow for more social distancing due to COVID-19.
• Video board and lighting system operators are added to the rule book as personnel “who may not create any distraction that obstructs play.”
• Schools or conferences can request postgame reviews about questionable actions such as faking injuries.
• In 2021, there will be a point of emphasis for officials to penalize taunting toward opponents because “these actions reflect poorly on the game and can lead to unnecessary confrontations.”
• Coaches should not enter the field of play or leave the team area to debate officials’ decisions. If they do, they will be assessed an automatic unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.