College Football Trivia Questions Quiz

A "Hail Mary Pass" is a common name for a pass that is made in desperation in college football. This term is used when a team is trailing and needs a long, unlikely completion to score or gain significant yardage. The name is derived from the phrase "Hail Mary," which is often used to describe a desperate or last-ditch effort.

Overtime was added to college football in 1996. This means that if a game is tied at the end of regulation, additional periods of play are added until a winner is determined. This feature was introduced to ensure that games have a clear outcome and to add excitement to the sport.

A chop block in college football refers to a block that is intentionally delayed and aimed at an opponent's thigh or below. This technique is considered illegal and dangerous as it can cause severe injuries to the targeted player. It involves one player engaging with the opponent above the waist, while another player simultaneously blocks the opponent below the waist. The purpose of a chop block is to take down the opponent by targeting their legs, which is against the rules and can result in penalties and potential harm to the player being blocked.

A "bootleg" play in college football refers to an offensive play where the quarterback fakes a handoff to a running back and then rolls out to the outside of the pocket, usually with the intention of throwing a pass or running with the ball. This play is designed to deceive the defense and create opportunities for the offense to gain yardage.

A common phrase describing the event when a defensive line brings in a 5th man is "Nickel Defense." This term is used in American football to indicate a defensive formation where there are five defensive backs on the field instead of the usual four. The additional defensive back, known as the nickelback, is brought in to provide extra coverage against the pass.

The fathers of American college football took their first official rules from the Rugby Union Code of England. This code served as the foundation for the development of American football, with early American football rules borrowing heavily from rugby. The introduction of the forward pass and other rule changes eventually differentiated American football from its rugby origins, but the initial rules were derived from the Rugby Union Code of England.

In 2004, the highest yards-per-game average for a Division 1A player was 187.91. This means that on average, this player gained almost 188 yards per game. This statistic indicates that the player had a very successful season, consistently gaining a high number of yards in each game they played.

In college football, the lineman is the player who begins each play within one yard of his line of scrimmage. The lineman is responsible for blocking and protecting the quarterback, as well as creating openings for the running backs. They are positioned on the line of scrimmage and play a crucial role in both the offensive and defensive aspects of the game.

In 2003, the second-highest yards-per-game average for a Division 1A player was 182.33. This means that the player, on average, gained 182.33 yards per game during that season.

The correct answer is quarterback. In the early days of American football, when the forward pass was illegal, teams primarily utilized the fullback position. However, after the forward pass was legalized in the early 20th century, the quarterback position emerged and became an integral part of offensive strategies. Quarterbacks are responsible for calling plays, taking snaps, and either handing the ball off to a running back or throwing it to a receiver. This position has evolved significantly over the years, with modern quarterbacks expected to possess a diverse set of skills and adapt to various game situations.

In 2003, the highest yards-per-game average for a Division 1A player was 192.09. This means that the player, on average, gained 192.09 yards per game throughout the season. This statistic indicates the player's consistent performance and ability to contribute significantly to their team's offense.

Theodore Roosevelt is the correct answer because during his presidency, he expressed concerns about the safety of football players and called for reforms to be made. He believed that the violent nature of the sport put players at risk of serious injuries and even death. As a result, he convened a meeting with football officials and encouraged them to make changes to improve player safety. His efforts ultimately led to the establishment of new rules and regulations in the sport, making him a significant advocate for player safety in football.

One possible explanation for the given answer is that having a bad baseball team in Pittsburgh could have contributed to the early success of football in the city. With baseball not performing well, it may have created a void in the sports scene, allowing football to gain popularity and fill the entertainment gap. This could have led to increased support and enthusiasm for football, ultimately contributing to its success in Pittsburgh.

In 1937, it was decided that players had to be marked by numbers on their front and back. This decision was likely made to improve the identification and tracking of players during games. By assigning numbers to each player, it becomes easier for officials, coaches, and spectators to identify and keep track of individual players on the field. This rule change has since become a standard practice in many sports, including football, soccer, and basketball.

Walter Camp began to revise the rules of football in the 1880's. This decade marked a significant period in the evolution of football, as Camp, known as the "Father of American Football," played a crucial role in shaping the game. He introduced several important changes, including the establishment of the line of scrimmage, the down-and-distance system, and the introduction of the quarterback position. Camp's revisions laid the foundation for modern football and greatly influenced its development into the sport we know today.

When a system of downs was first introduced, only 5 yards needed to be achieved in 3 downs. This means that the offensive team had 3 attempts to advance the ball a total of 5 yards in order to maintain possession and continue their drive. This rule was later changed to 10 yards in 4 downs, which is the current standard in American football.

The popular college football tradition that began at an American school in 1827 is known as "Bloody Monday." This tradition refers to the annual football game played between the sophomore and freshman classes at Rutgers University. The game was played on the first Monday after Thanksgiving and often resulted in rowdy and violent behavior, hence the name "Bloody Monday." Over time, this tradition evolved into the modern-day college football games that we know today.

A home team delay penalty results in the offending team's loss of ten yards. This penalty occurs when the home team causes a delay in the game, such as not being ready for the snap or intentionally stalling the game. The penalty is enforced by moving the ball back ten yards from the original line of scrimmage, putting the offending team at a disadvantage in terms of field position.