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College OT a kicking contest

Bringing It HomeJoelle Milholm Glenwood Springs, CO Colorado

The college football overtime system sucks. And I am not just saying this because my alma mater, CSU, lost to CU on Saturday in OT. Although that also sucked and has a lot to do with it.I just feel like the system is a joke that turns football into a kicking contest.So after a great, exciting game where the Rams and the Buffs’ offenses were fun to watch and gave the 70,000-plus at Mile High a lot to cheer for, it was ended with a lame field goal.That’s all college OT is all about – an unsatisfactory end to an on-the-edge-of-your-seat, exhilarating game. When each team gets the ball at the 25-yard line, I don’t understand why they don’t just try for three plays and then, as soon as they get as close as they feel is necessary, kick a field goal. Then the game can go back and forth until someone misses. In fact, instead of OT, let’s just call it penalty shots and turn football into soccer.For most teams, the defense has the advantage in that situation where the game is on the line. Why not take the lead and let them do the rest?In case you missed the Rocky Mountain Showdown, the game was tied at 28 and went into OT. CSU took the ball first, got close to scoring and then Caleb Hanie threw an interception. Then CU got the ball, completed a few passes and kicked a 22-yard field goal equating to the difficulty level of losing to Roger Federer on the tennis court. It sucked. Now I am sure that Buffalo fans thought it was awesome – and CU did deserve to win – I just hate the system.Now, I don’t believe that it should be left up to a coin flip and go into sudden death, but getting the ball on the 25-yard line is more absurd than an Ohio State and Michigan fan sitting down for a nice Thanksgiving Day dinner together.At least give the ball to them on the 50-yard line, at least out of field goal range and make teams actually work for it.Before OT, it was a great game – between two teams I think have improved immensely from last season. With Kyle Bell back, the Rams actually have a running game now and I have to admit, Cody Hawkins looked good in his college debut and finally the Buffs have some security at quarterback.Both teams will have their hands full next week as CSU hosts No. 12 California and CU will play Arizona State. Wins will be hard for the Rams and Buffs, but looking ahead to conference play, I think CSU can finish near the top of Mountain West. I can’t say the same for the Buffs in the Big 12, but maybe they can win more than two games this season. If CSU has any more close games, I hope they can come out on top. But, who knows? It will all come down to who has the best kicker.Contact Joelle Milholm: 384-9124; jmilholm@postindependent.com


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