Last season Oklahoma Sooners fans watched the team knock off the Texas Longhorns in a four-overtime thriller at the Cotton Bowl. Going into the 2021 season, those types of games might be a thing of the past with the latest announcement from the NCAA.
On Thursday the NCAA put out a release on a few rules changes, including the overtime rules. Moving forward teams must attempt to go for two after every touchdown starting in the second overtime period. Previously that policy started in the third overtime. This should help end the game quicker.
Teams will be required to run a 2-point conversion play after a touchdown when a game reaches a second overtime period. Previously, a 2-point attempt was required after the third overtime period.
Also, if the game reaches a third overtime, teams will run alternating 2-point plays, instead of starting another drive at the opponent’s 25-yard line. This is a change from the previous rule, which started to use 2-point plays in the fifth overtime period
These rules could have prevented the four-overtime game, but if the clock operator was paying attention the game might not have reached overtime in the first place.
Other rules changes will include increasing the team area on the sideline. Previously it was between the 25-yard lines. The new rules will expand them to the 20-yard lines giving them 10 more yards of room. The unsportsmanlike penalty will now involve video board and lighting system operators.
The other topic that seems to be routinely discussed is faking injuries.
The panel supported the Football Rules Committee proposal to provide a framework to allow a school or conference to request a postgame video review about questionable actions through the NCAA secretary-rules editor/national coordinator of officials.