In our last column we looked at the rules about the game clock: when it starts and when it stops, and the special rules for the last couple minutes of the half. This article continues the clock discussion.

 

10-Second Runoff

The timing of the game becomes especially critical late in a half. For several years, rules have been in place to discourage teams from trying to "game" the clock by deliberately creating a clock-stop situation. The "10-second runoff" is one of those rules. 

The 10-second runoff is only in force during the last minute of each half, and only when the game clock is running. There are three clock-stop scenarios that trigger the rule: when there is a foul that immediately stops the clock; when the officials stop the game for an injured player; and when a player's helmet comes off during the down. In each of these cases, the game clock is stopped, and the opponent has the option to subtract 10 seconds. Furthermore, if the runoff is chosen, then the clock will start on the referee's signal. And if the opponent refuses the runoff, then the clock starts when the ball is snapped.

 

Shortening A Game

On rare occasions, normally because of bad weather coming in, the referee may judge that the rest of the game should be shortened. If both head coaches agree, then the length of the remaining quarters may be reduced. Sometimes this decision is made before the game starts, in which case all four quarters must be of equal length.   

A so-called "running clock" is not legal. That is, the rules do not allow the game clock to continue to run during those times that it should be stopped, such as for an incomplete pass. No matter what the situation, the rules about stopping and starting the clock must always be followed.

Carnegie Mellon (Pa.) running back Sam Benger had 29 carries for 119 yards and one touchdown while also catching four passes for 50 yards in a loss to Case Western Reserve (Ohio). The score was his 59th career rushing touchdown, tying the school record. After finishing the regular season with a 7-3 overall record for the third straight season, the Tartans were selected to play in the 2017 Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Asa S. Bushnell Bowl Championship this Saturday, Nov. 18, at 11 a.m. ET against Muhlenberg (Pa.).

Miami (Fla.) wide receiver Braxton Berrios had two catches for 10 yards and one touchdown in 41-8 victory over No. 3 Notre Dame. He leads the Hurricanes with 484 receiving yards, and he is second in the ACC with eight touchdown receptions and a 15.9 punt return average. His 15.9 punt return average is sixth nationally. Berrios and Miami, now ranked No. 2 in the country, will host Virginia and fellow 2017 NFF National Scholar-Athlete Micah Kiser this Saturday, Nov. 18, at Noon ET on ABC.

Center Mason Hampton helped Boise State gain 641 yards of total offense and rally for a 59-52 overtime win over Colorado State. Hampton and the Broncos (8-2, 6-0 Mountain West) can clinch the conference's Mountain Division title with a home win over Air Force this Saturday, Nov. 18, at 10:15 p.m. ET on ESPN2.

Northwestern running back Justin Jackson had 25 carries for 46 yards in a 23-13 win over Purdue as the Wildcats extended their  winning streak to five consecutive games. He moved into the top 25 in NCAA career rushing leaders, passing Hall of Fame nominee Trevor Cobb (Rice) and Dontrell Moore (New Mexico) to move into 24th all-time. Jackson now sits at 4,973 career rushing yards and needs just six yards to pass Darren Sproles (Kansas State) for 23rd all-time and 67 yards to pass Mike Hart (Michigan) for fifth place among Big Ten career rushing leaders. Northwestern will host Minnesota this Saturday, Nov. 18, at Noon ET on the Big Ten Network.

Linebacker Micah Kiser tied for the team lead with nine tackles, including one for loss, and added a fumble recovery in Virginia's loss to Louisville. He  moved passed Randy Neal (1991-94) for ninth all-time in career tackles at Virginia, now boasting 372. Kiser has recorded 106 tackles this year giving him a 10.6 tackles per game average, which leads the ACC and ranks seventh nationally. For the second year in a row, he was also named one of nine semifinalists for the Lott IMPACT Trophy, which is awarded to the defensive player with the qualities that are embodied by NFF Board Member and College Football Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott (Southern California). Kiser and Virginia will travel to play at No. 2 Miami (Fla.) and fellow 2017 NFF National Scholar-Athlete Braxton Berrios this Saturday, Nov. 18, at Noon ET on ABC.

Offensive lineman Justin Lea helped block for a Jacksonville State team that gained 289 yards in a 14-7 win over UT Martin. The Gamecocks have won their fourth consecutive Ohio Valley Conference title and an automatic bid into the FCS Playoffs. With his 49th-straight start, Lea tied former JSU center Max Holcombe for the most consecutive games started in school and conference history. He was also named one of the six recipients of the prestigious OVC Scholar-Athlete Award. No. 2 Jacksonville State will host Tennessee State in its regular season finale this Thursday, Nov. 16, at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN3.

Center Brad Lundblade helped Oklahoma State gain 522 yards of total offense and rally to beat Iowa State, 49-42. The Cowboys (8-2, 5-2 Big 12) are currently ranked No. 10 in the FWAA-NFF Super 16 Poll and are tied for second place in the Big 12 standings. Lundblade and the Oklahoma State offense are currently second in the nation with 573.7 yards per game, 378.9 passing yards per game and 45.7 points per game. The Cowboys will host Kansas State this Saturday, Nov. 18, at 3:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2.

In a season-ending loss to Kutztown (Pa.), Slippery Rock (Pa.) defensive end Marcus Martin had nine tackles, recovered a fumble and recorded 1.5 sacks, brining his career NCAA sack record to 56 sacks and his Division II record to 92.5 tackles for loss. Martin finished his career with his best statistical year in 2017, posting a national-best 26.5 tackles for loss and 15.5 sacks in just 11 games while leading the Rock to an 8-3 record. He is part of a senior class that finishes its four-year career with a 36-12 overall record, four straight seasons with at least seven wins, two PSAC West titles, two PSAC championships and two appearances in the NCAA playoffs.

Georgia State defensive back Chandon Sullivan led the team with eight tackles in a 33-30 victory at Texas State that made the Panthers bowl eligible for the second time in three years. Georgia State, 6-3 overall, is tied atop the Sun Belt standings with a 5-1 record. The Panthers are off this week before finishing the regular season with home games against Appalachian State and Idaho.

Arkansas State cornerback Blaise Taylor recorded five tackles and also forced and recovered a fumble in a loss to South Alabama. His 14.9 punt return average leads the Sun Belt and is tied for eighth nationally. The Red Wolves (5-3, 4-1 Sun Belt) host Texas State this Saturday, Nov. 18, at 3 p.m. ET on ESPN3.

Safety Marlon Walls led Stephen F. Austin with a career-high 11 tackles in a loss to Nicholls State on Senior Day. The 'Jacks will finish their season this Saturday, Nov. 18, at Northwestern State at 4 p.m. ET. The game can be watched on NSUDemons.com. 

Linebacker Chris Weber recorded five tackles, including one for loss, in Nebraska's loss to Minnesota. He currently leads the Huskers with 82 tackles this season and is tied for the team lead with eight tackles for loss and five pass breakups. Nebraska (4-6, 3-4 Big Ten) must win its final two games to qualify for a bowl. Weber and the Huskers will play at No. 13 Penn State this Saturday, Nov. 18, at 4 p.m. ET on FS1.

Wide receiver Jake Wieneke led South Dakota State with five receptions for 52 yards in a  27-24 overtime victory over Illinois State. With their fourth win in a row and third consecutive against a ranked opponent, the Jackrabbits improved to 8-2 overall, and are tied for second place in the Missouri Valley Football Conference at 5-2. Wieneke and No. 6 South Dakota State close out their regular season at their in-state rival, No. 15 South Dakota, this Saturday, Nov. 18, at 3 p.m. ET on ESPN3.

Weekly TV Schedule:

Each week during the season, the NFF produces a comprehensive television schedule for all Division I (FBS and FCS) games complete with date, time, teams and on-air talent listings. Email [email protected] to sign up for the weekly schedule.