Game Basics

What is Drive in college football?

In college football, Drive means: A sequence of offensive plays by one team. Drive stats are useful because they compare teams by possessions instead of only total plays or total yards.

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Quick Answer

In college football, Drive means: A sequence of offensive plays by one team. Drive stats are useful because they compare teams by possessions instead of only total plays or total yards.

Definition

A drive is a possession consisting of one or more offensive plays. It ends with a score, punt, turnover, turnover on downs, end of half, or end of game.

Why It Matters

Drive stats are useful because they compare teams by possessions instead of only total plays or total yards.

How CFB Track Uses It

CFBTrack uses Drive context to connect glossary definitions with the stats, schedules, teams, players, and rankings that use the term.

Related Glossary Terms

Points Per DrivePoints scored divided by offensive drives.PossessionA team's turn controlling the ball.Finishing DrivesHow well a team turns scoring opportunities into points.Booth ReviewA replay review initiated by the replay official rather than by a coach.BoundaryThe short side of the field when the ball is spotted closer to one sideline.Coach's ChallengeA request by a coach asking officials to review a play, subject to challenge rules and timeout availability.

Related CFB Track Pages

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Last reviewed 2026-04-24