BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Birmingham Bowl featuring Vanderbilt football and Georgia Tech was interrupted due to lightning shortly after 5:30 p.m. CT, with just 7:17 remaining in the fourth quarter, as the Commodores were leading 35-13.
The delay, which lasted just under an hour, concluded at 6:27 p.m. According to NCAA guidelines for inclement weather, fans were required to evacuate the stands, and play could not resume until at least 30 minutes after the last lightning strike recorded within a radius of eight miles from Protective Stadium. The video board communicated that the game had not been canceled.
Vanderbilt’s quarterback, Diego Pavia, showcased an impressive performance, contributing five touchdowns for the Commodores (6-6) through three passed and two rushed scores. When game play resumed, Georgia Tech (7-5) was poised to take the ball on Vanderbilt’s 24-yard line. The Commodores had responded strongly to a third-quarter field goal by Georgia Tech, scoring 21 unanswered points to extend their lead after the Yellow Jackets closed the gap to 14-13.
This was not the Commodores’ first encounter with adverse weather this season; a previous match against Wake Forest also faced a significant two-hour lightning delay.
While there was no immediate estimate for when the game would continue, it was noted that rain had been persistent throughout the contest at Protective Stadium.
In summary, Vanderbilt’s performance during the Birmingham Bowl, combined with their ability to maintain a lead during adverse weather conditions, signifies resilience and potential for future games. As the Commodores navigate the final moments of the match, fans remain hopeful for a strong finish to the season.