No Mercy Rule: When Does a Game End in College Football?

A common question among football enthusiasts is whether there is a mercy rule or a situation where a game can be stopped due to a substantial score difference. The answer is generally no, as games in collegiate football are expected to be played in their entirety. However, there are exceptions and special circumstances where games have been shortened or paused.

General Gameplay Rules

In NCAA football, games are intended to be played for the full duration, regardless of the score. The governing body does not implement any rules to end games early based on point differentials. Teams are expected to play until the final whistle, and the game continues even if one team has a substantial lead.

Historical Games and Sportsmanship

There is a notable myth that coaches or referee intervene to stop a game if the score difference is too lopsided, particularly in instances where a team is leading by a large margin. However, in reality, such interventions are extremely rare and not supported by formal rules. One example that often circulates is Oklahoma vs. Texas in 2003, where Oklahoma (OU) won 63-13. Bob Stoops, the head coach, did not run up the score; instead, he rotated players to ensure everyone got playing time. The game continued despite the significant lead, with both teams making mistakes. Bob Stoops wanted the game to end on a positive note by engaging players on the bench.

Note on Mercy Rule

While there is no written mercy rule, it is considered poor sportsmanship to deliberately run up the score. Coaches and players are expected to play the game with integrity and respect for the opponent.

Special Cases and Official Interventions

There are rare instances where games have been paused or shortened due to unforeseen circumstances, rather than a disparity in score. These instances often involve weather or safety concerns.

Ohio State Case Study - Thunderstorm in 1990

A famous example comes from Ohio State University in 1990. When USC led 35-26 in the fourth quarter, a severe thunderstorm with lightening engulfed the stadium. Due to the lack of official safety protocols at that time, the referee stopped the game and consulted the coaches. USC, being in the lead, favored a quick end to the game, while John Cooper (the Ohio State coach) agreed to an onside kick to determine the winner. However, the Buckeyes failed to recover the onside kick, leading to the conclusion of the game with 2:38 left on the clock. This incident highlights the importance of safety in sports and the flexibility of officials in dealing with extraordinary circumstances.

Tulsa vs. 7 or Close to That

Another instance that has been cited is Tulsa, which once lost over 100 points to their opponent, almost reaching a score of 7-100. Barry Switzer, a legendary coach, was known for such games, where he would keep putting in players to show support for his team. This practice was part of his approach to maintain team morale and spirit, even when the outcome was already determined.

Clemson vs. South Carolina State - Running Clock

A specific case where a running clock was used occurred in 1998 between Clemson and South Carolina State, an historically black college (HBCU) in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). The game ended with a score of 77-7, where the clock continued to run despite the large score difference. Another instance in 1994, when Oklahoma hosted Savannah State, a similar HBCU, saw Oklahoma leading 84-0. The clock ran until a clockback official stopped it at the two-minute warning, resulting in a 156-60 final score.

Conclusion

In summary, while there is no formal mercy rule preventing a game from being stopped due to a large score difference, there are very rare instances where safety and unexpected factors can cause a game to be interrupted or shortened. It is generally expected that games in college football will continue to their natural conclusion, regardless of the score.