College Football Weather Delays
Severe Weather and Lightning Delays Three Major College Football Games in the South
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Key Points
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South Carolina’s delay was its second consecutive week dealing with weather disruption; its game against Towson the previous week was delayed nearly 75 minutes early in the third quarter.
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At Williams-Brice Stadium, lightning was reported around 2 p.m. CT and fans were asked to leave the seating area. Warmups resumed around 2:30 p.m. but were halted again less than 10 minutes later when lightning was detected.
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The Alabama–Florida State delay followed a specific lightning-safety protocol: a strike within eight miles triggers a 30-minute delay, and each additional strike resets that clock. Multiple strikes after 2 p.m. extended the wait.
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The Alabama–Florida State game was a rematch of Florida State’s 31-17 victory in the 2025 season opener. Alabama entered the rematch 2-0 after wins over Kentucky and East Carolina, while Florida State was 1-1 after losing to SMU.
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Despite the delay and rain, Alabama’s student section remained active, performing Florida State’s war chant; students also booed Florida State trainers as they removed the Seminoles’ medical tent from the field.
Lightning disrupted three major college football games across the South on Saturday. Kentucky.com reported that South Carolina's SEC opener against Mississippi State was delayed before kickoff after lightning struck near Williams-Brice Stadium. Alabama's matchup with Florida State faced repeated lightning strikes within eight miles of Bryant-Denny Stadium, resetting the required 30-minute safety clock multiple times after 2 p.m.
Clemson's game against North Carolina was stopped with 8:31 remaining in the fourth quarter, with North Carolina leading 17-15 and threatening at the Clemson 8-yard line. The disruption marked Clemson's third consecutive game affected by lightning delays. Florida State faced its second straight weather-delayed game in as many weeks.
South Carolina Faces Second Straight Weather Disruption
South Carolina dealt with its second consecutive week of weather-related delays. The previous Saturday against Towson, lightning forced a delay of nearly 75 minutes early in the third quarter. At Williams-Brice Stadium, lightning was reported around 2 p.m. CT on Saturday. Fans were asked to evacuate the seating area immediately.
Warmups resumed around 2:30 p.m., but lightning struck again less than 10 minutes later. Officials halted all activity once more. The repeated strikes forced organizers to halt the matchup until weather conditions improved and safety protocols could be met.
Alabama and Florida State Navigate Extended Lightning Protocols
Alabama and Florida State encountered a specific lightning-safety rule that extended their delay significantly. When lightning strikes within eight miles of the stadium, a mandatory 30-minute waiting period begins. Every additional lightning strike resets that clock to zero. Multiple strikes after 2 p.m. meant the delay kept extending.
This rematch held special significance for both teams. Bellingham Herald noted that Florida State defeated Alabama 31-17 in the season opener. Alabama entered this matchup undefeated at 2-0 after wins over Kentucky and East Carolina. Florida State stood at 1-1 following a loss to SMU.
Alabama Students Keep Energy High Through Weather Delay
Despite the lightning threat and rain, Alabama's student section refused to let energy fade. Students performed Florida State's own war chant while waiting. They also booed Florida State trainers as workers removed the Seminoles' medical tent from the field during the extended pause.
Clemson's Repeated Lightning Problems Continue Pattern
Clemson faced its third consecutive game disrupted by lightning strikes. The trend reflects a broader weather pattern affecting major college venues. North Carolina was positioned to potentially pull off a major upset when lightning stopped play with the Tar Heels threatening near the goal line.
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