Alabama football at USF lightning delay: Weather updates from game in Tampa
The game between Alabama football and South Florida entered into a lightning delay early in the second quarter Saturday in Tampa, Florida.
South Florida led 3-0 with 14:07 left in the first half. The delay started at 3:35 p.m. central time, with an automatic 30-minute break. The rule is that the clock must restart every time lightning is spotted in the area. Heavy rain started a few minutes before the lightning delay.
Weather updates will be provided as they become available.
ABC 33/40 meteorologist James Spann told the Crimson Tide Sports Network the storm was made up of isolated showers. Said Spann: "It is moving and it looks like the storm should be out of the stadium area (by 4:15 p.m.) central."
"The problem is, there could be another storm during the second half," Spann added.
Update: Alabama - USF restarts after about an hour delay
The Crimson Tide and USF returned to the field and started play at about 4:30 p.m. CT.
The rain had stopped by then.
Alabama - USF start time updated
The Crimson Tide and the Bulls are set to start against at 4:30 p.m. CT.
That means the game will have been delayed almost an hour.
Tyler Buchner is QB1 for Alabama to start game against USF
Tyler Buchner got the start at quarterback for the Crimson Tide after Jalen Milroe had started the first two games. Buchner sputtered out of the gate, passing for 4 of 10 passes for 25 yards with zero touchdowns and zero interceptions. Buchner has also ran for 11 yards on two carries with his longest rush a gain that went for eight yards.
South Florida's offense has not had much sustained success, other than when cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry couldn't scoop up a punt and the Bulls recovered the ball deep in Alabama territory.
Neither team has had much success on third down. Before the lightning delay, Alabama was 1-for-5, while South Florida went 2-for-6.
This story will be updated.
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Nick Kelly covers Alabama football and men's basketball for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at nkelly@gannett.com or follow him @_NickKelly on X, the social media app formerly known as Twitter.
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Alabama football at USF lightning delay: Weather updates from game in Tampa
