Notre Dame players began returning to the field at Notre Dame Stadium after the game was delayed for two hours, 10 minutes because of severe thunderstorms and cloud-to-ground lightning. 

Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly and USF coach Skip Holtz agreed that players would get 12 1/2 minutes to warm-up after both teams take the field. The time will be kept on the stadium clock.

There was still lightning flashing in the distance when Notre Dame special teams players began making their way through the tunnel, although it seemed farther off that it had been previously.

During the delay, which is believed to be the first weather suspension in Notre Dame football history, fans milled around the concourses and in designated buildings near the stadium where they had been directed to seek shelter.