Newt Gingrich Thinks Hillary Shouldn't Spike the Football

And now time for some DEEP COLLEGE FOOTBALL KNOWLEDGE ... with Newt Gingrich.

Here's the deal ... with Trump reportedly down in the polls, our photog asked Newt if it's too early for Team Hillary to be "spiking the football" ... aka going into victory mode too early.

That's when Newt hit us with the deep NCAA response -- "The University of Wisconsin tried that once and lost in overtime."

Okay, fact is ... we were a little perplexed at first -- but after some inner-office detective work, we THINK he's talking about a 2013 game between UW and ASU.

Remember, the UW quarterback THOUGHT he spiked the ball with time running out to set up an easy game-winning field goal.

But the QB, Joel Stave, botched the play ... and ASU won (Go Devils!).

Look, Newt's trying to say it ain't over 'til it's over -- but this was way more fun.

Sorry for the reminder, Stave.