The NCAA has approved three rule changes for the upcoming college football season in an effort to shorten games.

The NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel on Thursday approved rules changes for Divisions I and II intended to continue the “effort to control the flow of the game and encourage more consistent game management.”

The Football Rules Committee expects the adjustments will “modestly” reduce the number of plays in the game.

The rules:

1. No consecutive timeouts (Division III included)
2. The game clock will continue to run when a first down is gained.
3. The game clock will be stopped when a first down is gained during the last two minutes of either half.
4. Penalties at the end of the first and third quarter will carry over and be enforced on the first play of the next quarter. (Division III included)

Previously, the game clock stopped when a first down was gained, and the clock restarted when the offense was awarded a first down.

In the area of technology, teams will have the optional use of instant replay in games that do not have an instant replay booth official. Last season, the Division II Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association conducted a successful pilot program of this rule. This model allows the referee to use available video to make decisions on reviewable plays after a coach challenge.

Mark Heim is a sports reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim.