The XFL Debuted Its New Overtime Rules and Fans Loved It

The XFL’s innovative rules have produced more than a few memorable highlights this year during the revived league’s comeback season. And, on Saturday, that unique brand of action yielded a moment for the XFL record books courtesy of a historic Week 8 win by the St. Louis Battlehawks.

Thanks to a thrilling 21–17 overtime win over the Vegas Vipers, the Battlehawks made history as the first XFL team to win a game in OT this season. St. Louis’s victory also allowed fans to finally get an exciting first glimpse at the league’s unconventional OT rules.

Unlike the NFL, the XFL gives each team three alternating attempts to convert two-point conversions from their opponent’s five-yard line to decide a winner in the extra period. On Saturday, the Battlehawks, led by quarterback Nick Tiano with starter AJ McCarron out with a shoulder injury, blanked the Vipers, 2-0, to walk away with the big home win.

After Vega’s first attempt ended with an overturned conversion, Tiano found receiver Hakeem Butler to notch St. Louis’s first point. An offensive pass interference negated the Vipers’ follow-up attempt, which allowed Battlehawks running back Brian Hill to put the game away with a run up the middle on the next try. Needless to say, the team and XFL fans were pretty hyped by the outcome.

THE HOMETOWN KID FOR THE WIN pic.twitter.com/W5QjileJvB
— St. Louis Battlehawks (@XFLBattlehawks) April 8, 2023

THE FIRST OVERTIME VICTORY IN THE HISTORY OF THE XFL BELONGS TO YOUR ST. LOUIS BATTLEHAWKS!!!!!
— St. Louis Battlehawks (@XFLBattlehawks) April 8, 2023

In a game that also featured an absurd touchdown off a fake punt, the Battlehawks (6–2), made quite an impression in their second win over the Vipers (2–6) this season. And, with St. Louis now gearing up for a playoff run, the team will at least have the weekend to enjoy the reaction to the OT victory from excited XFL viewers, including a special shout-out from XFL co-owner Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

Our first @XFL2023 OT game of the season.
The Dome exploded 💥
That’s exciting football!! @XFLBattlehawks @XFLVipers #XFL #week8 https://t.co/PaZNSvTXGo
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) April 8, 2023