Honestly, I'm annoyed to hear that it's that close between the two.

Unless it's the Super Bowl or something like Thanksgiving Day games, there's no reason NFL games should take as long as they do on a regular basis, as they literally are just playing a matchup between two teams who (outside of division matchups) only see each other every few years.

College games, on the other hand, include much more to the game than just what's happening on the field. There's pre-game traditions (campus walks & things like Howard's Rock or Chief Osceola), marching bands playing after each score & halftime, post game chants & fight songs, Homecoming & Senior Days, & other things unique to playing at the college level that honestly make longer games something I'd expect.