The game began with a lightning delay before kickoff, a common occurrence in the Southeast during September. According to reports, lightning detected within 8 miles of the stadium triggered a stoppage, forcing teams to remain in the locker rooms. A second delay occurred before halftime, with both teams sent back to their respective dressing areas due to renewed lightning activity. At that point, Florida State held a 21-3 advantage, according to official updates.
This marked the second weather-related delay for Florida State in as many games. The Seminoles had previously faced a two-hour postponement against SMU on Labor Day due to power outages at Doak Campbell Stadium. The current game’s delays followed a pattern of weather challenges, with rain beginning to fall at 2:50 p.m. and lightning detected during warmups at 3:03 p.m. Teams remained in the locker rooms until 6:48 p.m., when the resumption of play was announced. The halftime period was eliminated entirely, with the third quarter commencing immediately after the second quarter’s conclusion.
Florida State vs. Alabama once again delayed by lightning
Alabama’s defense, under head coach Kalen DeBoer, faced scrutiny during the first half.
Florida State’s defensive back Ja’Bril Rawls sustained an injury in the first quarter and was taken to the locker room. Rawls, who recorded two tackles and a sack before exiting, was replaced by Nehemiah Chandler. His status for the remainder of the game remained unclear. Rawls, described as an experienced presence in the secondary, was a key contributor to Florida State’s defensive depth, which has been affected by personnel shifts throughout the season. Chandler’s substitution highlighted the team’s reliance on depth, particularly in a matchup against Alabama’s high-powered offense.
Florida State Alabama Lightning Delay Before Kickoff 290128062
The game’s timeline included multiple updates from Florida State’s athletics department. At 6:27 p.m., teams returned to the locker room due to additional lightning in the area. The resumption was set for 7:02 p.m. ET, with no halftime. Alabama’s 20-point scoring run in the first half, which included a missed extra point, gave the Crimson Tide a 26-21 lead at the break. Florida State’s offense, meanwhile, had managed 6 of 8 conversions on third downs, a statistic DeBoer acknowledged as a critical factor in the team’s ability to maintain possession.
The game’s context extended beyond the field. Florida State entered the matchup seeking to recover from its previous performance against SMU, while Alabama aimed to continue its home dominance under DeBoer. The teams’ contrasting approaches—Florida State’s reliance on a shuffled secondary and Alabama’s defensive improvements—were evident in the first half. The weather delays added an unpredictable layer to the contest, with officials adhering to conference policies requiring a stoppage until 15 minutes passed without lightning strikes.
Kalen DeBoer talks chaotic first half against Florida State
Florida State’s lead of 21-3 at the time of the suspension contrasted with Alabama’s 26-21 halftime advantage, indicating a significant shift in momentum. The teams’ next scheduled game for Florida State is set for October 1, while Alabama’s next matchup is scheduled for October 8. The injury to Rawls and the weather disruptions underscored the challenges faced by both programs in navigating the 2026 season.
Photographs of the game, including a moment of tension between Florida State’s Ricky Knight III and Alabama’s Dre Kirkpatrick Jr. during the first half, were published by the Associated Press. The image, captioned as AP Photo/Vasha Hunt,
captured the intensity of the rivalry.
The match’s progression reflected the unpredictable nature of college football, where weather, injuries, and strategic adjustments can alter the trajectory of a game. With the second quarter suspended and the first half ending in a 26-21 lead for Alabama, the contest remained a pivotal moment in the teams’ respective seasons. The resolution of the game and its implications for the playoff race will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike.
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