Kentucky-Southern Miss game delayed due to lightning in third quarter

The Kentucky–Southern Miss game on Saturday night had to deal with numerous lightning delays. Both teams eventually took the field, but the game was delayed in the third quarter due to lightning in the area. The Kentucky Twitter page updated fans on the status.

Lightning has been detected in the area and the teams are going to go back to locker rooms.

Please take precautions and seek shelter on the concourse. We will update you when we know more about a potential restart. pic.twitter.com/mm7ybtc9xu

— Kentucky Athletics (@UKAthletics) September 1, 2024

Kentucky was leading the game 31-0 with 9:56 left in the 3rd quarter, when play was suspended.

“Lightning has been detected in the area and the teams are going to go back to locker rooms. Please take precautions and seek shelter on the concourse. We will update you when we know more about a potential restart,” the Kentucky Twitter page announced.

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Shortly after that announcement, the officials came together and the SEC issued an official statement, ruling the game terminated, and that Kentucky would be ruled the official winner. All stats and records are considered final.

“By mutual agreement of the participating institutions as permitted by NCAA rules, tonight’s game between Kentucky and Southern Mississippi has been terminated and is considered a complete game with a final score of 31-0 in favor of Kentucky. All statistics in the game are considered final and complete.”

Kentucky quarterback Brock Vandagriff got his first taste of action as a Wildcat. And he looked pretty solid, with some exciting runs, plowing into Southern Miss defenders in the open field, and nice some nice throws at times. He’s certainly got a few things he can clean up as a passer, but Vandagriff completed 12 of 18 of his passes for 169 yards, while tossing in three touchdowns with one interception.

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The Wildcat offense looked exciting with him at the trigger on Saturday night, and the explosiveness of their receiving corps was on fine display. Ja’Mori Maclin made some impressive cuts and jukes in the open field, hauling in two catches for 66 yards. It was easy to see why Wildcat fans were so excited for his debut in a UK uniform and he didn’t disappoint. Dane Key hauled in three catches for 60 yards. And Kentucky superstar wideout Barion Brown also had four catches for 28 yards and two touchdowns.

Kentucky tight end Jordan Dingle also hauled in a touchdown catch on Saturday night, the fourth one of his career so far.

Southern Miss quarterback Tate Rodemaker threw for 126 yards for the Golden Eagles, along with two costly interceptions. One of those ended their best chance at scoring when Kentucky’s JQ Hardaway picked off a pass that was tipped in the end zone with 13:37 remaining in the first half.