Lightning Delays Florida South Carolina Game in Gainesville

Florida and South Carolina football teams faced a lightning delay during their Oct. 10 matchup at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Florida, after storms entered the area at halftime. The delay interrupted the start of the third quarter with South Carolina leading 17-10.

The game began at 12:45 p.m. ET and was paused after lightning was detected within eight miles of the stadium, according to sports.yahoo.com. A 10-minute warmup period started at 2:55 p.m., with play scheduled to resume at 3:05 p.m.

The weather stoppage lasted 45 minutes, according to sports.yahoo.com. The Gamecocks entered halftime with a 17-10 advantage over the No. 15 Florida Gators, who were 4-1 overall and 2-1 in SEC play.

Florida's offense produced a touchdown connection between quarterback Aaron Philo and Bailey Stockton in the second half before the delay. Philo completed 10 of 14 passes for 146 yards and one touchdown, while also leading Florida in rushing with 28 yards on six attempts, according to 247sports.com.

Rain affected parts of the game before halftime, while the forecast showed a chance of additional thunderstorms in Gainesville. The Weather Channel forecast cited a 40% chance of thunderstorms at 3 p.m., rising to 55% at 4 p.m. before decreasing to 49% at 5 p.m.

"There is also a lower, through still real severe storm risk in north-central Florida including Jacksonville and Gainesville Saturday night into early Sunday as the line weakens and shifts east. More periodic bands and less steady rain in the areas mean storm totals of 1-2 inches in these areas, so fewer flood issues," according to The Tallahassee Democrat.

South Carolina scored through quarterback LaNorris Sellers, who connected with Mazeo Bennett Jr. for a 12-yard touchdown and Nyck Harbor for a 15-yard touchdown, according to 247sports.com. Florida kicker Patrick Durkin added a 21-yard field goal before halftime.