GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — The Texas A&M-Florida game was halted Saturday due to a 45-minute lightning delay.

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

Southeastern Conference policy dictates that games must be stopped for at least 30 minutes if lightning is detected within 8 miles of the stadium. The clock is restarted with each subsequent lightning strike in the vicinity.

The delay could come in handy 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 touchdown pass to Theo Melin Ohrstrom. Reed also ran 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 controversial coach Billy Napier plans to split playing time against Texas A&M between the two.

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