From: xyzzy.dude@gmail.com   
      
   JE Corbett  wrote:   
   > If I ruled the world (and I think I should) overtime in both pro and college   
   would   
   > use the same format. However, I would eliminate the coin toss. There is too   
   > much of an advantage to the team that wins the toss. In the pros, the team   
   > winning the toss can end the game by scoring a TD on their first possession.   
   > In the postseason, both teams are assured a possession, but the team that   
   > wins the toss will get the third possession and the chance to win the game   
   > with a FG.   
   >   
   > In college, going on defense first is huge advantage because that team knows   
   > whether it needs a TD or can play for the FG. In essence, it tells them   
   whether   
   > they have 3 downs or 4 downs to get a first down.   
   >   
   > I would like to see both pro and college go to a true sudden death format.   
   > First team to score wins. However, instead of the first possession decided   
   > by the luck of the coin toss, just continue the game from where the fourth   
   > quarter ended. Change ends of the field just like is done between the   
   > third and fourth quarter and continue playing with the same down and   
   > distance. If a team tied the game on the last play of regulation, that team   
   > kicks off to start the overtime. First possession would still be a big   
   > advantage, but that advantage would be dictated by the flow of the game,   
   > not the luck of the coin toss.   
   >   
   > I'm old enough to remember watching the very first sudden death overtime   
   > game, the 1958 NFL championship game between the Baltimore Colts and   
   > the New York Giants. Johnny Unitas drove the Colts the length of the field   
   > to set up the game tying FG on the last play of regulation. The Colts won   
   > the overtime toss, took possession and again drove the length of the field   
   > and score on a plunge by Alan Ameche. Had my proposal been in effect   
   > back then, the Giants would have received to start overtime. Would it have   
   > changed the outcome? We'll never know. I had just turned 7 years old a   
   > month earlier and it was the first game I ever remember watching and still   
   > one of the best.   
   >   
      
   How about true sudden death,  but using the only decent innovation the XFL   
   came up with to start overtime: Use a simulated fumble recovery to   
   determine who gets the ball first. Put the ball right in the center of the   
   50. Each team designates 2-3 players who start on opposite 45 yard lines   
   with the rest of the teams on the 40s. Blow the whistle, they go for the   
   ball. Whoever ends up with possession starts the OT on offense, at whatever   
   spot they recovered it at.   
   --   
   “I usually skip over your posts because of your disguistng, contrarian,   
   liberal personality.” — Altie   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)