The 2016 season saw Clemson reclaim the throne in a high-stakes rematch
In short: The 2016 NCAA Division I FBS season was defined by massive offensive records and significant rule shifts. While the Clemson Tigers secured their second national title by defeating Alabama in the postseason, the year was also marked by unprecedented crowds and historic individual performances that pushed the boundaries of the game.
The season reached its climax on January 9, 2017, with the College Football Playoff National Championship. This postseason followed a regular season that began on August 26, 2016, and concluded on December 10, 2016.
Offensively, the year was record-breaking. On October 22, the Oklahoma–Texas Tech game saw the teams combine for 1,708 yards of total offense, shattering the previous record of 1,640 set in 2001 by San Jose State and Nevada. During that same game, Patrick Mahomes of Texas Tech recorded 819 yards of total offense, breaking the 751-yard record set by Connor Halliday in 2014. Oklahoma also became the first FBS team to feature a 500-yard passer, a 200-yard rusher, and a 200-yard receiver in a single game.
The NCAA also implemented several rule changes to modernize play. These included allowing electronic devices for coaching in the press box and locker room, but prohibiting them on the field. To improve player safety, replay officials were required to review all aspects of targeting penalties, and the definition of the 'crown of the helmet' was clarified. Additionally, the NCAA approved a three-year moratorium on new bowl games on April 11, following a season where a record three teams with sub-.500 records participated in bowls.
The season also saw significant logistical and structural shifts. Georgia State University received approval to purchase Turner Field, the 1996 Olympics main stadium, to convert it into a football stadium. Meanwhile, the University of Idaho announced it would become the first team to voluntarily drop from FBS to the FCS Big Sky Conference, effective in 2018.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: 2016 NCAA Division I FBS football season
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