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ASU football season opener part of Pac-12 experiment

Related Topics: Pac-12 Conference, Kickoff

Good news, Arizona State fans. Thursday night's season opener may not keep you up as late as you might have thought.

The Pac-12 announced Wednesday that the ASU-New Mexico State contest -- scheduled to kickoff at 7:30 p.m. in Tempe -- will feature a 15-minute halftime, instead of the normal 20-minute session. This is part of a conference test program involving Pac-12 Networks contests designed to enhance the viewing experience by shortening games.

ASU coach Todd Graham said this month that he favors the moves. To him, most adjustments take place long before halftime, anyway.

The Pac-12's pilot initiative will feature several elements spread out over the non-conference season.