GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

College Football Game Duration Statistics

The average duration of a college football game is typically around 3 hours, including half-time and stoppages.

Last Updated: June 20, 2024

How we write

In this post, we explore the fascinating world of college football game durations, unveiling a plethora of intriguing statistics that shed light on the varying lengths of these highly-anticipated matchups. From average game times to the impact of commercial breaks and overtime periods, we delve into the factors that contribute to the overall duration of college football games in the FBS. Join us on a statistical journey through the clock management strategies and evolving trends that shape the length of these exhilarating contests.

Statistic 1

"The average length of a college football game in the FBS is approximately 3 hours and 24 minutes."

Statistic 2

"The longest recorded duration of a college football game is 7 hours and 56 minutes, from 2001 and ending in 7 overtimes with a final score of 72-74."

Statistic 3

"Nine percent of games in the 2016 season lasted longer than four hours."

Statistic 4

"NCAA Division I games average 3 hours and 26 minutes in 2019"

Statistic 5

"On average, there are approximately 20 televised commercial breaks during a college football game, which can add around an additional hour to the game time."

Statistic 6

"The shortest college football games, those involving running the ball more consistently than passing, can end in as little as 2 hours."

Statistic 7

"Overtime can add an additional 15-30 minutes to the total game time in college football."

Statistic 8

"On average, 16 minutes of each college football game is dedicated to replay review."

Statistic 9

"In 2017, 73% of ESPN televised games lasted more than 3 hours."

Statistic 10

"From 2008 to 2012, the average college football game increased in length by nearly 14 minutes."

Statistic 11

"From 1996 to 2016, the time of an average college football game increased by 30 minutes."

Statistic 12

"The average length of a Big Ten football game was 3 hours and 14 minutes in 2017."

Statistic 13

"The SEC had the longest games in 2017, averaging 3 hours and 26 minutes."

Statistic 14

"More than 30% of games involving an SEC team lasted 4 hours or longer in 2018."

Statistic 15

"In 2017, games involving Pac-12 teams were the longest of any conference, averaging 3 hours and 30 minutes."

Statistic 16

"The Pac-12 implemented new procedures in 2018 to shorten the length of its games, which resulted in an average decrease of approximately 5 minutes per game."

Statistic 17

"Rule changes implemented in 2006 to speed up games resulted in reducing the average game time by 14 minutes, though game times have since increased again."

In conclusion, college football game durations vary significantly, with the average game lasting around 3 to 3.5 hours. Factors such as commercial breaks, replay reviews, overtime periods, and conference-specific play styles influence the length of games. While efforts have been made by conferences like the Pac-12 to shorten game durations, historical data shows a general trend towards longer games over the years. Understanding these statistics can provide valuable insights for fans, broadcasters, and regulatory bodies seeking to enhance the overall viewing experience of college football games.

Jannik Lindner

Jannik is the Co-Founder of Gitnux and has been working in the digital space since 2016. He is specialized in content and tech.

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