why is usc game delayed

The USC game was delayed due to lightning in the area around Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Indiana. According to NCAA regulations, any lightning detected within a one-mile radius of the stadium mandates a halt or delay of the game. Teams and fans were required to stay in safe locations until 30 minutes passed without any lightning strikes. This lightning delay, combined with the local thunderstorm activity, caused the kickoff to be postponed by over three hours from the original scheduled time. Fans were even evacuated from the stadium for safety during the storm. Once lightning ceased for the required period, teams were given a warm-up period before the game finally began.