Game Pro vs. College
Pro vs. College
If you're watching college football, it helps to know a few ways the rules differ from the NFL. Here are the key differences.
College is more of a running game. Not every college quarterback is skilled and consistent enough to risk an interception with a poor throw. There are hundreds more college teams than pro teams, and only the best players go pro.
Knee down Biggest difference
The play is over as soon as a knee touches the grass, whether you were tackled or just tripped over your own feet.
You have to be forced down. If you slip and no one touched you, you can get up and keep running.
Game clock
The clock stops whenever a team gets a first down.
The clock keeps running after a first down (unless the player goes out of bounds or a timeout is called).
Why it matters: a losing college team gets more time to make a comeback.
Two-minute warning
No two-minute warning. The game keeps going.
An automatic pause at the two-minute mark, charged to neither team, so both can regroup and plan.
Why it matters: it can decide close games when time is running down.
Catches near the sideline
The receiver needs control of the ball and one foot down in bounds.
The receiver needs control of the ball and both feet down in bounds.
Why it matters: as college players mature, you'll see them getting both feet down to show they're ready for the NFL.
Overtime and ties
Each team gets a turn with the ball from the opponent's 25-yard line. Overtime continues until someone wins; games can't end in a tie.
Regular-season games can end in a tie, but playoff games (including the Super Bowl) can't. Both teams get at least one possession, unless the team that receives the overtime kickoff scores a touchdown on its first possession.