Expert: Thom Brooks - 11/18/2008

Question
Hi,
A question on rules regarding fumbles and changes of possession in college football overtime. Here's the scenario:

Team A starts the overtime. A runner advances the ball to the 10-yard line, where he fumbles. A player from Team B picks up the ball and tries to run for a touchdown. He, in turn, is hit and fumbles near mid-field, where Team A falls on the ball and recovers.

The question: Who gets possession of the ball and where? Team A, because it recovered the fumble? Or Team B, because A failed to score on its opening possession?  

Answer
Michael, hello!

If Team A could have scored, then Team B would still have had their possession.  If Team B had scored, the game would be over.  

Team A gets the recovered fumble but  that ends the possession.  Team B has their turn of possession at the 25 yard line.  If they score, the game is over.  If not, the game goes into the second O/T.

Take care,

Thom Brooks



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