The Most Unnecessary Overtime Games of All Time to Torture Yourself With

Need something besides my 4000+ word articles to scratch that sports itch?

By Jared Larson@Jar_Lar Mar 17, 2020, 3:00pm CDT

Now that sports are cancelled for the time being, why not go back and reminisce as well as rewatch some of the most absurdly long games in recent sports memory.

Full Games:

Virginia Tech at Wake Forest - 2014

On November 22, 2014, Virginia Tech traveled to BB&T Field in Winston-Salem for an absolute clunker of a game. Fans were treated to a game that lasted 3 hours and 27 minutes which featured 246 more punting yards than offensive yards.

Texas A&M vs. LSU - 2018

No. 22 Texas A&M faced off against No. 7 LSU looking to get their first win in the series since a 33-17 win in 1995.

This is the first seven overtime game on this list.

Arkansas at Ole Miss - 2001

Arkansas takes on Eli Manning and Ole Miss in the then highest scoring game in SEC History. Ole Miss missed a 20 yard field goal wide right in regulation and Brennan O’Donohoe missed a game winner from 35 in the third overtime, making this game on brand for our blog.

Arkansas at Kentucky - 2003

I remember reading my favorite Christmas gift ever, ESPN College Football Encyclopedia: The Complete History of the Game, repeatedly as a kid. This anecdote is brought to you by this 2005 paraphrase I recall ‘Arkansas is the only team to play two seven overtime games on the road, and win both of them’.

Watch the Pillsbury Throwboy battle back from a 21-7 fourth quarter deficit to send a game to overtime at 24 all.

#20 Syracuse vs. #4 UCONN - 2009

UCONN vs. Syracuse met each other in the Quarterfinals of the Big East Championships, three hours and 46 minutes of basketball would pass in this game before a victor was crowned.

Jared’s note: Iowa State’s longest men’s basketball game went five overtimes against Colorado on February 27, 1960. The Cyclones clawed back from a 40-29 deficit, and, if it weren’t for a 40 foot jumper by Ted Ecker, the Cyclones would’ve lost 65-63.

#19 Iowa State vs. #3 Lindenwood - 2020

If you thought I wouldn’t include the longest game in college hockey here, well, think again. On March 7, Iowa State took on Lindenwood (MO) in the CSCHL semifinal. Lindenwood tied the game up with 5.8 seconds remaining, then the overtimes started, 97 total minutes of overtimes (157 total game minutes) was necessary to determine the winner.

Miami Dolphins vs. Kansas City Chiefs - 1971

As resident Chiefs fan, losing a game that featured two sudden death overtimes doesn’t surprise me, especially the duality of being a Cyclones fan and having Jan Stenerud missing a game winner from 32 yards out and wide right? It’s both of my world’s colliding into one.

This game lasted 82 game minutes and 40 seconds.

Highlights:

Skidmore at Southern Vermont - 2010 - 7OT

The Thoroughbreds came out topped the Mountaineers as seen in the above collection of clips, 128-123. John Mantas came up clutch for Skidmore with his 27 points, with four of his makes sending the game to another overtime.

Lance Spratling (23) of Southern Vermont played all 75 minutes.

Isner(USA)–Mahut(FRA) match — 2010 Wimbledon

I’m going to be honest, I know jack about tennis reporting at this very time, but I do know this match took place over three days and lasted 11 hours and five minutes.

#23 Iowa State at Mizzou - 2001

Iowa State saw four Cyclones foul out (including Tinsley) in one of the all time classic Big 12 Conference matchups. Rock M Nation’s Bill Connelly has a masterful write up on this game.