One of the biggest changes in college football took place in 1995, when the NCAA adopted an overtime rule for all bowl games with all Division 1-A (now FBS) games being able to go to OT the following year. Prior to that, a game would end in a tie after 60 minutes.
The switch to this overtime system (with a few revisions along the way) changed the complexion of the sport. Prior to 1995, teams could opt for a tie to avoid a loss. There was no better example of this than the 1988 Sugar Bowl.
In the game, 11-0 Syracuse played 9-1-1 Auburn. With the Orange ahead 16-13 in the final seconds, the Tigers elected to kick a field goal from the Syracuse 13-yard line as time expired instead of going for a touchdown to win the game. The call angered Syracuse players and fans, as a 12-0 season would’ve given them a chance at a share of a national championship with Miami. Even many of Auburn’s players were upset with the decision to play it safe. The fans were as well, as nearly all of the 79,000 in attendance booed after the game ended in a 16-16 tie.
If that scenario played out today, Syracuse and Auburn would head to overtime to decide a winner. Let’s see how overtime was introduced into college football and how it developed into the system in use today. We’ll also review games with the most overtimes in history and teams with the best overtime records. Finally, we’ll share how multiple overtimes can affect point spread and over-under total bettors.
Table of Contents
- Recent Multiple Overtime Games
- College Football OT Rules
- College Football OT Rules History
- List of 3+ College Football Overtime Games
- Longest College Football Games
- Teams with Best Overtime Records
- Overtime Betting Insights
- Conclusion
- College Football OT FAQs
Multiple Overtime College Football Games 2002-2023
| Overtimes | Total | Last Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 121 | Utah State at New Mexico USU 44, UNM 41 (2OT) 11/24/23 3:30pm EST |
| 3 | 53 | Arizona at USC USC 43, ARIZ 41 (3OT) 10/07/23 10:30pm EDT |
| 4 | 14 | Akron at Indiana IU 29, AKR 27 (4OT) 9/23/23 7:30pm EDT |
| 5 | 4 | Hawaii at San Jose State HAW 44, SJSU 41 (5OT) 9/29/18 7:00pm EDT |
| 6 | 2 | North Carolina at Virginia Tech VT 43, UNC 41 (6OT) 10/19/19 3:30pm EDT |
| 7 | 5 | Eastern Kentucky at Bowling Green EKU 59, BGSU 57 (7OT) 9/10/22 4:00pm EDT |
| 9 | 1 | Illinois at Penn State ILL 20, PSU 18 (9OT) 10/23/21 12:00pm EDT |
Current College Football Overtime Rules
If a college football game is tied after the fourth quarter, representatives of each team return to midfield for another coin toss by the referee. The winner of the toss chooses whether to start on offense or defense, or they can choose to defend a certain end of the field and allow the other team to pick whether to start on offense or defense. This is typically only done when wind is enough of a factor that it could affect the kicking game. The loser of the coin toss gets to pick first among these options for a second and further even-numbered OT periods.
Overtime Timeouts
The timeouts reset to one for each team per overtime period, and the game clock is turned off. Only the play clock is used. The game ends when one team is ahead after each has a possession in a given OT period.
Overtimes 1 and 2
For the first overtime, each team gets one possession that begins at the opponent’s 25-yard line. The possession lasts until a team either scores a touchdown, field goal, or turns the ball over via downs, interception, or fumble.
The format for the second OT is the same as the first–with the exception that a team must go for a two-point conversion from the 3-yard line if they score a touchdown on their possession.
Overtimes 3 or More
Starting with the third overtime, teams bypass the traditional possession. Instead, each get one attempt at a two-point conversion play from the 3-yard line. This continues indefinitely until there is a winner.
College Football Overtime Rules History
For lower divisions of college football, playoff games in Division I-AA (now FCS), II, and III used an overtime system starting in 1975. It was expanded to all regular-season games in those divisions in 1981.
The system was based on the Kansas Overtime system that was created for Kansas State high school football games. That system gives each team the ball at the 10-yard line, and the team with the most points after each possession was the winner. If it was tied, another set of possessions were held until there was a winner. A coin toss determines which team gets to decide whether to play offense or defense first.
The rules were modified a bit for the NCAA and have been tweaked throughout the years.
Original College Football Overtime Rules
The first NCAA football overtime rules took the Kansas system but put the ball at the 25-yard line in order to make it a bit more difficult for a team to score a touchdown. The typical four-down rules are used. In case of a turnover, the team that recovers the ball begins their possession at the opponent’s 25-yard line regardless of where they ended up following the turnover. The only exception is if they score off the interception or fumble, in which case, it counts as a touchdown and the game is over.
First College Football Overtime Game
The first-ever NCAA overtime game was in the Division III playoffs in 1976, when Buena Vista beat Carroll of Wisconsin 20-14.
In FBS, the first overtime game was the 1995 Las Vegas Bowl. In that game between Toledo and Nevada, the score was tied at 34 after regulation. The Wolfpack were stopped short of the goal line in their first possession and had to settle for a field goal. The Rockets got the ball and needed just four plays to score a touchdown, ending the game on Wasean Tait’s fourth rushing TD of the game to win it 40-37. The win closed out an undefeated season for Toledo, finishing 10-0-1.
Subsequent Overtime Rule Changes
1997 – In an effort to keep games from going too long, teams were forced to attempt a two-point conversion following a touchdown starting in the third overtime. Converting on the two-point play is less likely than making an extra point kick.
2019 – The length of overtime games were becoming a concern. A 2018 seven-OT game between Texas A&M and LSU had over 200 plays run, and another 7-OT game the year before with Western Michigan vs. Buffalo took nearly five hours to play. In response, the NCAA ruled that starting with the fifth overtime, teams would start alternating two-point conversion plays from the 2-yard line instead of having full offensive possessions.
2021 – The overtime process was shortened even more under the current rules. Now, a team must go for a two-point conversion after a touchdown in the second overtime period. Starting in the third OT, teams alternate two-point conversion attempts instead of the fifth OT.
3+ College Football Overtime Games
| Game | Overtimes | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois at Penn State | 9OT 10/23/21 12:00pm EDT | ILL 20, PSU 18 (9OT) |
| Eastern Kentucky at Bowling Green | 7OT 9/10/22 4:00pm EDT | EKU 59, BGSU 57 (7OT) |
| LSU at Texas A&M | 7OT 11/24/18 7:30pm EST | TA&M 74, LSU 72 (7OT) |
| Western Michigan at Buffalo | 7OT 10/07/17 3:30pm EDT | WMU 71, BUFF 68 (7OT) |
| FIU at North Texas | 7OT 10/07/06 7:00pm EDT | UNT 25, FIU 22 (7OT) |
| Arkansas at Kentucky | 7OT 11/01/03 7:00pm EST | ARK 71, UK 63 (7OT) |
| North Carolina at Virginia Tech | 6OT 10/19/19 3:30pm EDT | VT 43, UNC 41 (6OT) |
| Arkansas at Tennessee | 6OT 10/05/02 7:45pm EDT | TENN 41, ARK 38 (6OT) |
| Hawaii at San Jose State | 5OT 9/29/18 7:00pm EDT | HAW 44, SJSU 41 (5OT) |
| UTEP at UTSA | 5OT 10/22/16 7:00pm EDT | UTEP 52, UTSA 49 (5OT) |
| Stony Brook at Buffalo | 5OT 9/14/13 3:30pm EDT | BUFF 26, STON 23 (5OT) |
| Tennessee at Alabama | 5OT 10/25/03 3:30pm EDT | TENN 51, ALA 43 (5OT) |
| Akron at Indiana | 4OT 9/23/23 7:30pm EDT | IU 29, AKR 27 (4OT) |
| Miami (FL) at Virginia | 4OT 10/29/22 12:30pm EDT | MIA 14, UVA 12 (4OT) |
| Memphis at East Carolina | 4OT 10/15/22 7:30pm EDT | ECU 47, MEM 45 (4OT) |
| Liberty at Southern Miss | 4OT 9/03/22 7:00pm EDT | LIB 29, USM 27 (4OT) |
| Alabama at Auburn | 4OT 11/27/21 3:30pm EST | ALA 24, AUB 22 (4OT) |
| South Alabama at Texas State | 4OT 10/09/21 7:00pm EDT | TXST 33, USA 31 (4OT) |
| Texas at Oklahoma | 4OT 10/10/20 12:00pm EDT | OU 53, TEX 45 (4OT) |
| Louisiana at Tulane | 4OT 9/24/16 8:00pm EDT | TULN 41, ULL 39 (4OT) |
| North Carolina A&T at Kent State | 4OT 9/10/16 6:00pm EDT | NCAT 39, KENT 36 (4OT) |
| Auburn at Arkansas | 4OT 10/24/15 12:00pm EDT | ARK 54, AUB 46 (4OT) |
| Duke at Virginia Tech | 4OT 10/24/15 3:30pm EDT | DUKE 45, VT 43 (4OT) |
| Michigan at Penn State | 4OT 10/12/13 5:00pm EDT | PSU 43, MICH 40 (4OT) |
| Texas A&M at Kansas State | 4OT 11/12/11 3:30pm EST | KSU 53, TA&M 50 (4OT) |
| Louisiana at Middle Tennessee | 4OT 11/15/03 3:00pm EST | ULL 57, MTSU 51 (4OT) |
| Arizona at USC | 3OT 10/07/23 10:30pm EDT | USC 43, ARIZ 41 (3OT) |
| Kansas at Arkansas Autozone Liberty Bowl | 3OT 12/28/22 5:30pm EST | ARK 55, KU 53 (3OT) |
| Houston at UTSA | 3OT 9/03/22 3:30pm EDT | HOU 37, UTSA 35 (3OT) |
| Air Force at Nevada | 3OT 11/19/21 9:00pm EST | AFA 41, NEV 39 (3OT) |
| Utah at San Diego State | 3OT 9/18/21 7:00pm EDT | SDSU 33, UTAH 31 (3OT) |
| Michigan at Rutgers | 3OT 11/21/20 7:30pm EST | MICH 48, RUTG 42 (3OT) |
| Baylor at TCU | 3OT 11/09/19 12:00pm EST | BAY 29, TCU 23 (3OT) |
| Coastal Carolina at Georgia Southern | 3OT 10/19/19 3:00pm EDT | GASO 30, CCU 27 (3OT) |
| Tulsa at SMU | 3OT 10/05/19 7:30pm EDT | SMU 43, TLSA 37 (3OT) |
| Georgia State at Texas State | 3OT 9/21/19 7:00pm EDT | TXST 37, GAST 34 (3OT) |
| Northern Iowa at Iowa State | 3OT 8/31/19 12:00pm EDT | ISU 29, UNI 26 (3OT) |
| Wisconsin at Purdue | 3OT 11/17/18 3:30pm EST | WIS 47, PUR 44 (3OT) |
| Liberty at UMass | 3OT 11/03/18 3:30pm EDT | UMASS 62, LIB 59 (3OT) |
| Northern Illinois at Eastern Michigan | 3OT 9/29/18 6:00pm EDT | NIU 26, EMU 23 (3OT) |
| Middle Tennessee at Western Kentucky | 3OT 11/17/17 8:00pm EST | WKU 41, MTSU 38 (3OT) |
| Michigan State at Northwestern | 3OT 10/28/17 3:30pm EDT | NW 39, MSU 31 (3OT) |
| Boise State at Washington State | 3OT 9/09/17 10:30pm EDT | WSU 47, BSU 44 (3OT) |
| Rhode Island at Central Michigan | 3OT 8/31/17 7:00pm EDT | CMU 30, URI 27 (3OT) |
| Wyoming at UNLV | 3OT 11/12/16 3:30pm EST | UNLV 69, WYO 66 (3OT) |
| Central Michigan at Northern Illinois | 3OT 10/15/16 3:30pm EDT | CMU 34, NIU 28 (3OT) |
| Northern Illinois at Wyoming | 3OT 9/03/16 10:30pm EDT | WYO 40, NIU 34 (3OT) |
| Texas State at Ohio | 3OT 9/03/16 3:30pm EDT | TXST 56, OHIO 54 (3OT) |
| Oregon at TCU Valero Alamo Bowl | 3OT 1/02/16 6:45pm EST | TCU 47, ORE 41 (3OT) |
| Marshall at Middle Tennessee | 3OT 11/07/15 3:30pm EST | MTSU 27, MRSH 24 (3OT) |
| Troy at Appalachian State | 3OT 10/31/15 3:30pm EDT | APP 44, TROY 41 (3OT) |
| Oregon at Arizona State | 3OT 10/29/15 10:30pm EDT | ORE 61, ASU 55 (3OT) |
| Syracuse at Virginia | 3OT 10/17/15 3:30pm EDT | UVA 44, SYR 38 (3OT) |
| Louisiana Tech at Kansas State | 3OT 9/19/15 3:00pm EDT | KSU 39, LT 33 (3OT) |
| Texas State at Tulsa | 3OT 9/27/14 8:00pm EDT | TXST 37, TLSA 34 (3OT) |
| Kentucky at Florida | 3OT 9/13/14 7:30pm EDT | FLA 36, UK 30 (3OT) |
| Western Kentucky at Middle Tennessee | 3OT 9/13/14 7:00pm EDT | MTSU 50, WKU 47 (3OT) |
| Navy at San Jose State | 3OT 11/22/13 9:30pm EST | NAVY 58, SJSU 52 (3OT) |
| Michigan at Northwestern | 3OT 11/16/13 3:30pm EST | MICH 27, NW 19 (3OT) |
| Marshall at Virginia Tech | 3OT 9/21/13 12:00pm EDT | VT 29, MRSH 21 (3OT) |
| UConn at Louisville | 3OT 11/24/12 12:00pm EST | CONN 23, LOU 20 (3OT) |
| Pittsburgh at Notre Dame | 3OT 11/03/12 3:30pm EDT | ND 29, PITT 26 (3OT) |
| Texas Tech at TCU | 3OT 10/20/12 3:30pm EDT | TTU 56, TCU 53 (3OT) |
| Minnesota at UNLV | 3OT 8/30/12 11:00pm EDT | MINN 30, UNLV 27 (3OT) |
| Michigan State at Georgia Outback Bowl | 3OT 1/02/12 1:00pm EST | MSU 33, UGA 30 (3OT) |
| Stanford at USC | 3OT 10/29/11 8:00pm EDT | STAN 56, USC 48 (3OT) |
| Illinois at Michigan | 3OT 11/06/10 12:00pm EDT | MICH 67, ILL 65 (3OT) |
| SMU at Memphis | 3OT 11/24/07 2:00pm EST | MEM 55, SMU 52 (3OT) |
| Penn State at Florida State Fedex Orange Bowl | 3OT 1/03/06 8:00pm EST | PSU 26, FSU 23 (3OT) |
| Miami (FL) at Clemson | 3OT 9/17/05 3:30pm EDT | MIAMI 36, CLEM 30 (3OT) |
| Michigan State at Michigan | 3OT 10/30/04 3:30pm EDT | MICH 45, MSU 37 (3OT) |
| Tulsa at Nevada | 3OT 10/23/04 9:00pm EDT | NEV 54, TLSA 48 (3OT) |
| Houston at Hawaii Sheraton Hawaii Bowl | 3OT 12/25/03 9:00pm EST | HAW 54, HOU 48 (3OT) |
| USC at California | 3OT 9/27/03 6:30pm EDT | CAL 34, USC 31 (3OT) |
| Temple at Cincinnati | 3OT 9/20/03 7:00pm EDT | CIN 30, TEM 24 (3OT) |
| NC State at Ohio State | 3OT 9/13/03 12:10pm EDT | OSU 44, NCST 38 (3OT) |
| Syracuse at North Carolina | 3OT 9/06/03 1:30pm EDT | SYR 49, UNC 47 (3OT) |
| Washington at Washington State | 3OT 11/23/02 6:30pm EST | WASH 29, WSU 26 (3OT) |
| Virginia Tech at Syracuse | 3OT 11/09/02 3:30pm EST | SYR 50, VT 42 (3OT) |
Longest College Football Games
9OT Illinois at Penn State – 10/23/2021 – Week 8
With the new rules that teams skip the possessions and just go for alternating two-point conversions starting in the third overtime, we saw the record of a nine-overtime game set in 2021. Not only did Illinois and Penn State set the record for most overtimes in a college football game, the Illini also upset the then-No. 7 Nittany Lions on their home field.
Penn State, a 24.5-point favorite, finished regulation tied at 10 with Illinois. The total of 20 was far under the over-under total of 45.5, and even with nine extra overtime periods, the total still was under the number.
Each team traded field goals in the first two OTs, making it 16-16. Surprisingly, each team failed to score in the next five possessions when they had to attempt a two-point conversion. Illinois broke through in the eighth OT with a Brandon Peters pass to Isaiah Williams, but then the Nittany Lions responded with a scoring run by Noah Cain. After Penn State failed to convert to start OT No. 9, Peters then found Casey Washington in the end zone for a successful conversion to win the game 20-18.
7OT Eastern Kentucky at Bowling Green – 9/10/2022 – Week 2
A seven-overtime game to start the 2022 season was a high-scoring contest more typical of multiple OT games. FBS program Eastern Kentucky was tied with Bowling Green at 38 at the end of regulation.
With defense not exactly at a premium, each team scored touchdowns in the first two OT periods, but both teams failed on the two-point conversion attempt at the end of the second overtime. The teams then went to trade two-point conversion attempts starting with the third OT.
The teams each converted in the third, fourth, and sixth OT and failed in the third. In the seventh overtime, Falcons QB Matt McDonald threw an incomplete pass. The Colonels had a chance to win it and did so when Parker McKinney found Braedon Sloan for the upset 59-57 win. BGSU went into the game as a 7.5-point favorite with an over-under total of 57, which was easily surpassed before the OT periods even began.
7OT LSU at Texas A&M – 11/24/2018 – Week 13
As mentioned above, this game was the catalyst for the NCAA tightening up the overtime rules. In addition to over 200 plays being run between LSU and Texas A&M, the 74-72 Aggies win also marked the most combined points (146) in an FBS football game.
Ironically, the game never would’ve gone to overtime if not for a reversed call on an interception late in the fourth quarter. Ed Orgeron, head coach of the No. 7 Tigers, even received a Gatorade bath before the call was overturned. The Aggies, a three-point favorite, entered OT tied at 31. The game already eclipsed the 45.5 over-under total before OT even started.
The teams then combined for a combined 84 points in the seven overtimes. LSU had current NFL players Joe Burrow, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, and Justin Jefferson making big plays in this one a year before they won a national championship. Aggies’ QB Kellen Mond responded with six touchdown passes and threw the game-winning two-point conversion pass to Kendrick Rogers to end the marathon.
7OT Arkansas at Ole Miss – 11/3/2001 – Week 11
Arkansas, who would end up playing in another seven-overtime game just two years later, defeated Ole Miss in what was the first college football game to reach seven extra periods in November 2001.
Tied 17-17 at the end of regulation, the teams each scored touchdowns in six of the seven overtimes to end with a final score of 58-56 in favor of Arkansas. The Rebels came into the game at 6-1 under freshman quarterback Eli Manning, but the Razorbacks upset ranked teams in each of the previous two games before this one.
Despite passing for 312 yards and six touchdowns, Manning couldn’t lead his team to victory. After the Hogs scored a touchdown and got the two-point conversion in the seventh OT, the Rebels got a TD to match. Manning, however, threw incomplete on the two-point play to end the game and keep it from going to an eighth OT.
6OT North Carolina at VA Tech 10/19/2019 – Week 8
The first game where the new overtime rules of 2019 came into play took place in Blacksburg, Virginia between ACC rivals North Carolina and Virginia Tech. The 43-41 Hokies win took six overtimes to settle, making it the longest game in ACC history.
The game was tied at 31 at the end of regulation. The teams traded field goals in the first overtime and touchdowns in the second OT session. After two scoreless periods, the new rules went into effect in the fifth OT, where teams would trade two-point conversion attempts. After both teams failed in OT No. 5, Quincy Patterson II ran into the end zone in the sixth OT to win the game for the Hokies.
Hendon Hooker, who starred for the 2022 Tennessee Volunteers after transferring, was one of three quarterbacks who played in this game for the Hokies. Javonte Williams, who ended up with the Denver Broncos in the NFL, played at running back for the Tar Heels.
College Football Teams With Best OT Records
| Team | Overtimes 2002-2023 |
Record | Win% |
|---|---|---|---|
| TCU | 9 | 5-4 Home: 4-4 Away: 1-0 | 56.00% |
| Michigan | 8 | 6-2 Home: 3-0 Away: 3-2 | 75.00% |
| Arkansas | 7 | 6-1 Home: 2-0 Away: 4-1 | 86.00% |
| Middle Tennessee | 7 | 3-4 Home: 2-3 Away: 1-1 | 43.00% |
| North Carolina | 7 | 3-4 Home: 2-2 Away: 1-2 | 43.00% |
| Syracuse | 7 | 5-2 Home: 4-1 Away: 1-1 | 71.00% |
| Tennessee | 7 | 3-4 Home: 1-3 Away: 2-1 | 43.00% |
| Tulsa | 7 | 3-4 Home: 2-1 Away: 1-3 | 43.00% |
| Clemson | 6 | 2-4 Home: 1-1 Away: 1-3 | 33.00% |
| Michigan State | 6 | 2-4 Home: 1-2 Away: 1-2 | 33.00% |
| Northern Illinois | 6 | 3-3 Home: 0-1 Away: 3-2 | 50.00% |
| Arizona | 5 | 2-3 Home: 1-2 Away: 1-1 | 40.00% |
| Baylor | 5 | 2-3 Home: 1-0 Away: 1-3 | 40.00% |
| BYU | 5 | 3-2 Home: 2-0 Away: 1-2 | 60.00% |
| Indiana | 5 | 3-2 Home: 1-1 Away: 2-1 | 60.00% |
| Texas State | 5 | 4-1 Home: 2-1 Away: 2-0 | 80.00% |
| Texas Tech | 5 | 3-2 Home: 1-0 Away: 2-2 | 60.00% |
| Virginia Tech | 5 | 2-3 Home: 2-1 Away: 0-2 | 40.00% |
| Wyoming | 5 | 4-1 Home: 4-0 Away: 0-1 | 80.00% |
| Appalachian State | 4 | 1-3 Home: 1-0 Away: 0-3 | 25.00% |
| California | 4 | 3-1 Home: 3-1 Away: 0-0 | 75.00% |
| Colorado | 4 | 1-3 Home: 1-2 Away: 0-1 | 25.00% |
| Fresno State | 4 | 1-3 Home: 1-2 Away: 0-1 | 25.00% |
| Georgia | 4 | 2-2 Home: 0-2 Away: 2-0 | 50.00% |
| Houston | 4 | 1-3 Home: 0-0 Away: 1-3 | 25.00% |
| Iowa State | 4 | 2-2 Home: 2-0 Away: 0-2 | 50.00% |
| Kent State | 4 | 0-4 Home: 0-4 Away: 0-0 | 0.00% |
| Louisiana | 4 | 1-3 Home: 0-1 Away: 1-2 | 25.00% |
| Louisiana Tech | 4 | 1-3 Home: 1-1 Away: 0-2 | 25.00% |
| Marshall | 4 | 1-3 Home: 0-0 Away: 1-3 | 25.00% |
| Memphis | 4 | 2-2 Home: 2-0 Away: 0-2 | 50.00% |
| Miami (FL) | 4 | 3-1 Home: 1-1 Away: 2-0 | 75.00% |
| Navy | 4 | 2-2 Home: 0-0 Away: 2-2 | 50.00% |
| NC State | 4 | 2-2 Home: 1-0 Away: 1-2 | 50.00% |
| Northwestern | 4 | 2-2 Home: 2-1 Away: 0-1 | 50.00% |
| Notre Dame | 4 | 2-2 Home: 2-1 Away: 0-1 | 50.00% |
| Ohio State | 4 | 4-0 Home: 2-0 Away: 2-0 | 100.00% |
| Oregon | 4 | 2-2 Home: 0-0 Away: 2-2 | 50.00% |
| Penn State | 4 | 2-2 Home: 1-2 Away: 1-0 | 50.00% |
| Rice | 4 | 1-3 Home: 1-2 Away: 0-1 | 25.00% |
| San Jose State | 4 | 0-4 Home: 0-4 Away: 0-0 | 0.00% |
| South Alabama | 4 | 1-3 Home: 1-2 Away: 0-1 | 25.00% |
| Stanford | 4 | 3-1 Home: 0-1 Away: 3-0 | 75.00% |
| Texas | 4 | 2-2 Home: 2-0 Away: 0-2 | 50.00% |
| Texas A&M | 4 | 2-2 Home: 2-1 Away: 0-1 | 50.00% |
| USC | 4 | 2-2 Home: 2-1 Away: 0-1 | 50.00% |
| Utah | 4 | 2-2 Home: 0-0 Away: 2-2 | 50.00% |
| UTSA | 4 | 2-2 Home: 0-2 Away: 2-0 | 50.00% |
| Western Kentucky | 4 | 3-1 Home: 1-0 Away: 2-1 | 75.00% |
| Alabama | 3 | 1-2 Home: 0-2 Away: 1-0 | 33.00% |
| Army | 3 | 2-1 Home: 2-0 Away: 0-1 | 67.00% |
| Duke | 3 | 2-1 Home: 0-0 Away: 2-1 | 67.00% |
| East Carolina | 3 | 2-1 Home: 2-1 Away: 0-0 | 67.00% |
| Eastern Michigan | 3 | 1-2 Home: 1-2 Away: 0-0 | 33.00% |
| FIU | 3 | 2-1 Home: 1-0 Away: 1-1 | 67.00% |
| Georgia Southern | 3 | 3-0 Home: 2-0 Away: 1-0 | 100.00% |
| Hawaii | 3 | 3-0 Home: 1-0 Away: 2-0 | 100.00% |
| Kansas State | 3 | 2-1 Home: 2-0 Away: 0-1 | 67.00% |
| Minnesota | 3 | 3-0 Home: 1-0 Away: 2-0 | 100.00% |
| North Texas | 3 | 2-1 Home: 1-1 Away: 1-0 | 67.00% |
| Ohio | 3 | 2-1 Home: 0-1 Away: 2-0 | 67.00% |
| Oklahoma | 3 | 2-1 Home: 1-1 Away: 1-0 | 67.00% |
| Oklahoma State | 3 | 1-2 Home: 1-0 Away: 0-2 | 33.00% |
| Pittsburgh | 3 | 0-3 Home: 0-1 Away: 0-2 | 0.00% |
| Purdue | 3 | 0-3 Home: 0-2 Away: 0-1 | 0.00% |
| San Diego State | 3 | 2-1 Home: 1-1 Away: 1-0 | 67.00% |
| Tulane | 3 | 1-2 Home: 1-0 Away: 0-2 | 33.00% |
| UNLV | 3 | 1-2 Home: 1-2 Away: 0-0 | 33.00% |
| Wake Forest | 3 | 1-2 Home: 1-1 Away: 0-1 | 33.00% |
TCU
TCU (Texas Christian University) holds the NCAA FBS record for most overtime wins with nine. The Horned Frogs broke a tie with Michigan on October 1, 2022 (Week 5) in a 43-40 win over Oklahoma State. It was an exciting game between two unbeaten teams, as TCU improved to 6-0 with the win over the then-No. 8 Cowboys, who dropped to 5-1. In 2012, TCU had just joined the Big 12 and took new rival Texas Tech to a triple-overtime win.
Michigan
The Michigan Wolverines have eight overtime victories, including back-to-back wins over rival Michigan State in 2004 and ‘05. In Michigan’s first overtime game, which was the 2000 Orange Bowl against Alabama, the Wolverines scored on Tom Brady’s final collegiate pass–a 25-yard strike to Shawn Thompson to take the lead. The Crimson Tide responded with a touchdown of their own, but they missed the extra point to send Michigan home a 35-34 winner.
Middle Tennessee, Syracuse, Tennessee
Three teams have seven overtime wins and are tied for third place. Tennessee’s most-recent victory proved to be an important one, as it paved the way for a big 2022 season. Playing on the road at No. 14 Pittsburgh in the second game for each team on September 10th, 2022, Hendon Hooker and Cedric Tillman had big games on offense in the 34-27 win.
Syracuse’s most memorable win took place on November 9, 2022 (Week 12) when the Orange pulled out a 50-42 win over then-No. 7 Virginia Tech in triple overtime. Quarterback Troy Nunes threw for over 400 yards in the win, and wide receiver David Tyree had 229 receiving yards, and both performances rank in the top-five on Syracuse’s all-time list. You may remember Tyree for making the “Helmet Catch” in the New York Giants’ Super Bowl win over the New England Patriots in February 2008.
Overtime Betting Insights
Since overtime is a part of the game itself, all wagering on a full game (unless otherwise specified) includes the 60 minutes of regulation and any overtimes needed to determine a winner.
When it comes to overtime games and sports betting, two things ring true: Point spreads 9 points or larger produce an automatic result, and betting the under can be a losing proposition.
9 Point or Larger Spreads Mean the Underdog Wins
A team can’t score a defensive touchdown under the college football overtime rules, so the widest margin of victory can be eight points.
-9 or Larger Point Spread Favorites Always Lose
If you bet on a favorite with a spread -9 or larger, you will not be able to win the bet in overtime.
+9 or Larger Point Spread Underdogs Always Win
Conversely, if you have an underdog bet higher than +9 or larger, you are guaranteed to be a winner.
Overtime Doesn’t Help Under Bettors
The college football overtime system does not benefit those betting on the under part of a totals bet. No running clock and no set end to the game means that the scoreboard can only go up, up, up.
An example of a bad beat on the under is from a game with TCU vs. Baylor on November 9, 2019 (Week 11). This game between TCU and Baylor was tied 9-9 at the end of regulation, so those wagering under on the total of 49 were looking good. The teams then combined for 34 points in three overtimes with the Bears winning 29-23, pushing the total of the game to 52 points and an unlikely win for the over.
The rule changes of 2019 and ‘21, however, do give those betting on the under have more of a chance to survive overtime with a winning bet. That’s because teams alternate two-point conversion attempts following the second overtime, so a total of four points can be scored starting with the third OT instead of a possibility of 16 points.
More College Football Odds
|
Team |  BetMGM |
 BetRivers |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia | +350 Bet | +325 Bet |
| Ohio State | +350 Bet | +450 Bet |
| Texas | +700 Bet | +700 Bet |
| Oregon | +1000 Bet | +850 Bet |
| Ole Miss | +1100 Bet | +1100 Bet |
| Alabama | +1400 Bet | +1100 Bet |
| LSU | +1600 Bet | +1400 Bet |
| Michigan | +1600 Bet | +1600 Bet |
| Florida State | +2000 Bet | +2500 Bet |
| Notre Dame | +2500 Bet | +1400 Bet |
| Penn State | +2500 Bet | +2000 Bet |
| Clemson | +3000 Bet | +2000 Bet |
| USC | +3500 Bet | +3000 Bet |
| Missouri | +3500 Bet | +4000 Bet |
| Oklahoma | +3500 Bet | +4500 Bet |
| Miami (FL) | +3500 Bet | +6000 Bet |
| Texas A&M | +4000 Bet | +3000 Bet |
| Tennessee | +5000 Bet | +3000 Bet |
| Utah | +6600 Bet | +8000 Bet |
| Washington | +8000 Bet | +5000 Bet |
| Auburn | +10000 Bet | +5000 Bet |
| Kansas State | +10000 Bet | +6000 Bet |
| Louisville | +10000 Bet | +10000 Bet |
| Wisconsin | +10000 Bet | +12000 Bet |
| Colorado | +10000 Bet | +20000 Bet |
| Arizona | +12500 Bet | +12000 Bet |
| Florida | +15000 Bet | +12000 Bet |
| North Carolina | +15000 Bet | +15000 Bet |
| Kansas | +15000 Bet | +20000 Bet |
| UCLA | +15000 Bet | +20000 Bet |
Conclusion
There’s no doubt that forcing every game to have a winner is the correct one. In the past, bowl games would end in a tie and there would be more of a flat, deflated feeling from both sides than anything. It’s better to have a winner and a loser.
The college football overtime system provides plenty of excitement for fans and bettors alike–except for potential added stress of under bettors! Games getting into overtime periods of six, seven, and beyond are historic and memorable. A big part of sports is to provide entertainment, and college football OT games do just that.
College Football Overtime FAQs
The record for most college football overtimes is 9 set on October 23, 2021, when Illinois defeated Penn State 20-18.
The first-ever NCAA overtime game was in the Division III playoffs in 1976, when Buena Vista beat Carroll of Wisconsin 20-14.
The first FBS overtime game was the 1995 Las Vegas Bowl. In that game between Toledo and Nevada, the score was tied at 34 after regulation. Toledo’s Wasean Tait scored his fourth rushing TD of the game to win it 40-37.
LSU played 7 overtimes when it lost to Texas A&M 74-72 on November 24, 2018.
Alabama played 5 overtimes when it lost to Tennessee at home 51-43 on October 25, 2003.
Texas played 4 overtimes when it lost to Oklahoma on the road 53-45 on October 10, 2022.
In Michigan’s first overtime game, which was the 2000 Orange Bowl against Alabama, the Wolverines scored on Tom Brady’s final collegiate pass–a 25-yard strike to Shawn Thompson to take the lead. The Crimson Tide responded with a touchdown of their own, but they missed the extra point to send Michigan home a 35-34 winner.
College Football Betting Resources
- College Football Betting Guide – Read up on how to bet your favorite teams this football season, reviewing the most common ways to bet on college football, plus season win totals, standings, and in-depth research.
- College Football Betting Sites – Our top licensed and legal US sports betting sites for college football.
- College Football Odds – Latest point spreads, totals, and moneylines for upcoming college football matchups and more.
- College Football Prop Bets – Prop betting lines and odds for upcoming College football games.
- College Football Futures Odds – Learn more about how to bet on college football futures. Review odds to win the National Championship and key D1 college football conferences like the SEC, ACC, Big Ten, and Big 12, plus odds to win the Heisman Trophy.
- College Football Win Total Odds – Our tutorial explains how to bet on college football win totals, plus links to team win totals grouped by conference.
- Undefeated College Football Teams – See which teams are still undefeated in the current regular season.
- College Football Betting Tips – Quick tips and essential knowledge for those looking to up their college football betting game.
- College Football Overtime Games – We track multiple overtime college football games from 2002 to the current season. See the longest overtime games in NCAA football history.
- College Football Championship Results – Review recent College Football Championship winners, appearances, results, including from the BCS era.
- Can the AP Preseason Poll Predict a Winner? – Our classic case study looks at the AP preseason college football poll’s potential to predict an eventual national champion.