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Lightning Halts FCS Kickoff: UC Davis Leads Mercer 23-17

8/24/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The FCS Kickoff game between UC Davis and Mercer ended as a no contest due to a lightning storm, with UC Davis leading 23-17.
UC Davis freshman quarterback Caden Pinnick completed 13 passes for 141 yards and one touchdown before the interruption.
Mercer’s D.J. Smith threw for 172 yards, achieving a 68.2% completion rate.
Both teams will proceed to their next games without recorded wins or losses.

History

Historical Context

In 1983, the NCAA established the Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), transforming college football's competitive structure. The inaugural FCS Kickoff game, featuring top teams, began in 2013 to showcase FCS talent. Recent weather disruptions, like the lightning delay during the 2023 game between UC Davis and Mercer, highlight ongoing challenges in ensuring player safety and effective game management in collegiate athletics.

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Story summary

The FCS Kickoff game between UC Davis and Mercer ended as a no contest due to a lightning storm, with UC Davis leading 23-17.
UC Davis freshman quarterback Caden Pinnick completed 13 passes for 141 yards and one touchdown before the interruption.
Mercer’s D.J. Smith threw for 172 yards, achieving a 68.2% completion rate.
Both teams will proceed to their next games without recorded wins or losses.

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