Texas A&M tight end Theo Melin Ohrstrom, second from right...

Texas A&M tight end Theo Melin Ohrstrom, second from right celebrates his touchdown reception on a 29-yard pass play with teammate tight end Tre Watson (84) and wide receiver Jahdae Walker (9) as Florida defensive back Jordan Castell (14) walks off the field during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Gainesville, Fla. Credit: AP/John Raoux

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Texas A&M-Florida game was halted Saturday for a 45-minutes lightning delay.

The game was halted at the end of the first quarter with the Aggies leading 10-0.

Southeastern Conference policy dictates games must be stopped for at least 30 minutes if lightning is detected within 8 miles of the stadium. The clock restarts with every subsequent nearby strike detected.

The delay could be timely for the Gators (1-1). Texas A&M (1-1) scored on its first two possessions despite playing without starting quarterback Conner Weigman. Freshman Marcel Reed made his first career start and completed 8 of 10 passes for 94 yards, including a 29-yard TD pass to Theo Melin Ohrstrom. Reed also scrambled for 30 yards.

Veteran quarterback Graham Mertz started for Florida after missing last week's game with a concussion. Highly touted freshman DJ Lagway replaced Mertz after one series, an indication that embattled coach Billy Napier plans to split snaps between the two against Texas A&M.

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