The NCAA approved multiple rule changes on Friday, regarding timing during football games.
The Football Rules Committee adjusted how much the clock will run after a first down, as well eliminating an untimed down at the end of the first and third quarters, and to roll them into the next quarter.
The new rules state, the game clock will continue to run when a first down is made. During the last two minutes of either half, the clock will stop when there is a first down. The rule also eliminates more plays at the end of quarters, and they will be played at the beginning of the next quarter.
Since 1968, the clock has stopped when a first down has been gained by either team and was restarted once the ball was spotted. This change will reduce the number of plays per game by at least seven, and shorten games which can sometimes get close to four hours long.
These rules are only set to go in for Division I and Division II, with the rules committee further observing the impacts on Division III football.
