NC STATE DEFEATS RICHMOND 73-0 AS LIGHTNING DELAYS HALT GAME

NC State Wolfpack defeated Richmond Spiders 73-0 in their home-season opener on 11 September at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, North Carolina. Lightning within an eight-mile radius of the stadium forced players from the field during the second quarter with 11 minutes 33 seconds remaining. At that point, NC State led 28-0 and Richmond had not scored. Officials and both head coaches agreed to cancel the scheduled 20-minute halftime break to reduce overall delay.

A lightning strike occurred outside the stadium at 8:46 p.m. as heavy rain continued. A roughly 30-minute suspension followed, with fans evacuated during the delay. Play resumed at 9:25 p.m. after lightning threat diminished, with spectators readmitted at 9:15 p.m. The fourth quarter was shortened to 10 minutes to accommodate the weather interruption and the cancelled halftime period.

Cancelling halftime altered standard game operations significantly. Players ordinarily use the 20-minute break to rehydrate, stretch, and receive treatment for minor injuries, whilst coaches use the time to revise tactical plans with their staff. The elimination of this interval forced athletes to return to physical contact after an hour in the locker room without the standard cooling and preparation period. Television networks also faced schedule complications from the loss of halftime commercial airtime and broadcasting arrangements.