Florida Gators Won’t Reschedule Idaho Game

Aug 30, 2014; Gainesville, FL, USA; A general view of Florida Field as it is in rain delay before the game between the Idaho Vandals and Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

After Saturday’s season opener for the Florida Gators and Idaho Vandals was rained out the two schools announced today they would not reschedule the tilt.

Both teams had an open bye week on Oct. 25 but neither team had much interest in playing the game amid conference play.

If a game had been played on Oct. 25 it would have meant the Vandals wouldn’t have a bye week for 10 straight games. It would also have meant Florida would play their entire 11-game schedule with no bye week at all.

“We looked at a number of options and, in the end, we both thought it was in the best interest of our student-athletes and football programs to play out the remainder of our respective schedules as they stand,” Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley said in a statement.

However, the two schools will play each other again in 2017 in Gainesville. Florida has agreed to pay Idaho their $950,000 guarantee by the Feb. 1 deadline.

Florida will also refund tickets to the game, which is expected to be in the millions, although insurance is expected to cover it.

After a near three-hour delay Saturday due to lightning, the game began at 9:50 p.m. ET but was halted after just 10 seconds as lightning hit again. However, it did feature a 64-yard kick off return by Florida’s Valdez Showers.

The game was postponed shortly after due to a persistent threat of lightning as well as unsafe playing conditions due to the torrential rain.

Florida’s new season opener is Saturday at home to the Eastern Michigan Eagles. Kick off is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. ET.