This was the greatest opening week ever for the NFL and, in my opinion, the most exciting Sunday in NFL history. How does this relate to college football? Well, it has to do with the three overtime games we witnessed on Sunday -- which leads me to my rant of the week.

	With the college OT system, one-third of the equation (special teams) is nowhere to be found.

The Jets defeated the Bills in overtime on a scintillating kickoff return for a TD by former USC Trojan Chad Morton (his second of the day). In Tampa, the Bucs rallied to tie the Saints on a last-second field goal, only to have a special-teams blunder lead to their demise.

With the current college football overtime system -- which I have major problems with -- there's no chance for such an incredible ending. With the college OT system, one-third of the equation (special teams) is nowhere to be found. In fact, it's eliminated from the process due to the college overtime format that gives teams alternating possessions on their opponent's 25-yard line.

How ridiculous is that? You play 60 minutes with special teams playing a huge part in the dynamic of a football game, only to push it aside in overtime.

True, field goals are part of overtime in college, but there are no kickoffs or punts -- so no dramatic kickoff return can win the game in OT (as the Jets did Sunday). And since each team starts on the 25, points can be scored (via field goal) without a first down. This makes no sense to me.

The current system also asks college kids to play a long, three-and-a-half-hour game, followed by a draining overtime. But a lengthy, drawn-out overtime can lead to injuries.

Last year, Arkansas and Ole Miss played the longest game in major college football history (4:14), thanks to the overtime taking so long. The game was tied 17-17 at the end of regulation, and Arkansas wound up winning 58-56. In games like this, the college OT system distorts team and individual statistics (Ole Miss QB Eli Manning threw five TDs after regulation time vs. Ole Miss).

Let Clock Run on First Downs
Another change, unrelated to overtime, that I feel would benefit the game significantly is allowing the clock to run while the chains are being moved on a first down.

Today, just about everything in college football stops the clock (except for a QB sack). Out of bounds, incomplete pass, first down, timeout, TV timeout, you name it.

Back in the '60s, '70s and even the '80s, this was fine. Now, though, with most teams throwing much more often, games are running longer. The added length of the game and extra possessions lead to a greater risk of injury, as fatigue becomes a factor. It also allows teams with more manpower to wear down their opponents.

In the NFL, the clock stops after a QB sack, but when the chains move for a first down, the clock keeps ticking. Also, after an out-of-bounds play in the NFL, the clock starts again once the ball is spotted. By contrast, after an out-of-bounds plays in college, the clock starts again only when the ball is snapped.

With college football contests lasting longer and longer, officials need to consider ways to speed up the game.