Full Breakdown
Lightning Delays Stall Alabama-Florida State Clash in Tuscaloosa
By Drooid · · How we work
Background & Context
The Week 3 matchup between No. 10 Alabama and Florida State was billed as a chance for the Crimson Tide to avenge last season’s upset loss in Tallahassee. The game, set for a Saturday afternoon in Tuscaloosa, was preceded by multiple weather-related postponements earlier in the week. Local outlets noted that this was the first lightning delay for Alabama this season, and that Florida State had already experienced a lengthy power-related postponement against SMU on Labor Day.
Game Progress and Scores
Both teams opened with scoring drives. Florida State’s quarterback Ashton Daniels threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to Duce Robinson and later added a 3-yard rushing score, while running back Ousmane Kromah contributed a 12-yard touchdown run, giving the Seminoles an early lead.
Alabama’s first points came from kicker Connor Talty, who converted field goals from 32 and 43 yards. The Crimson Tide’s offense then struck with a 21-yard touchdown pass from freshman quarterback Keelon Russell to receiver Cedarian Morgan, marking Morgan’s first career catch.
At the moment play was halted, the Seminoles were ahead. AP News reported the score as 21-13 in favor of Florida State after the Alabama touchdown. Patch described the margin as 21-6 before the same touchdown. Tomahawk Nation noted a 21-3 lead for Florida State at the time of the second stoppage. All sources agree the game was stopped with 2:36 remaining in the second quarter following the Alabama score.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The exact score at the second lightning interruption varies among outlets:
- AP News: 21-13 (Florida State)
- Patch: 21-6 (Florida State)
- Tomahawk Nation: 21-3 (Florida State)
These discrepancies arise from differing accounts of the timing of Alabama’s touchdown relative to the delay. No source provided a definitive play-by-play log to reconcile the figures, leaving the precise halftime margin unclear.
Impact on Teams and Fans
The prolonged delay—initially pushing the 2:30 p.m. kickoff back nearly two hours and later extending the pause into the second quarter—affected both squads’ momentum. Analysts from Bama Hammer highlighted the challenge for Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer to maintain his players’ energy during the interruption, noting that the team had been waiting over a year for a chance at redemption.
Fans in the student section remained active despite the rain, with reports of Crimson Tide supporters chanting through the downpour and exchanging boos with Florida State trainers when the latter’s medical tent was removed. The weather also provided a brief respite from the forecasted near-100-degree temperatures, offering cooler conditions for spectators.
What’s Next
Officials indicated that the game would resume once the lightning threat cleared, adhering to the NCAA rule requiring a minimum 30-minute interval after the last strike. Updates from local meteorologist James Spann suggested the field might be cleared in time for a kickoff around 4:15 p.m. Central Time, though further delays remained possible. The continuation of the contest will determine whether Alabama can close the scoring gap before halftime.