I knew about it from that preposterous Illinois/Penn State game earlier this year that went to 8 OTs.
Hate the rule and would be furious if we lost an Iron Bowl in a "shootout."
That's not what the word "shootout" typically means.
Like it or not, it's logically a significant improvement over the old system - which strongly favored certain teams (schemes or anyone with a great kicker) over others, significantly lengthened (at least potentially) the games, and measurably increased the occurrence of injuries.
Let's think about this logically, examining the alternatives - CONSIDERING THE FACT THAT THE GAME WAS TIED AT THE END OF REGULATION.
Option 1: Go back to it being a tie.
- If you prefer this, I have no time for you.
Option 2: Return to the old system.
- You/We complained about this one so much - plus the aforementioned downsides - that they changed it. Go to the back of the class and have a seat.
Option 3: Switch to the NFL System
- Which one? They've tried, what three different systems now and people still aren't happy?
Option 4: Switch to something no one has conceived, yet.
- Give the specifics, the pros, and the cons and then we'll talk.
Think about your all-time classic, hard-fought, close football games. How did the best of those end? Depending upon your perspective, either a last-minute score or a last-minute stop.
HOW IS THIS REALLY ANY DIFFERENT?
Except, of course, that both teams get a shot instead of just the team that happened to get the ball (or get the stop) last before time ran out.
Maybe the problem is the terminology...
CURRENT OVERTIME RULES:
First Overtime: Dueling Scoring Possessions (Each team gets the ball, 1st and 10, at the 25.)
Second Overtime: Dueling Scoring Possessions, no PATs (Each team gets the ball, 1st and 10, at the 25. If a TD is scored, you cannot just kick a PAT.)
Third Overtime, and Following: Dueling Goal-Line Stands, No Field-Goals (Each team gets the ball, 4th and Goal, at the 3 yard line. No Field Goals or PATs are allowed. TDs in these overtime periods are worth only 2 points with no extra points available.)
Does that terminology make it sit a little better???