An unexpected rain delay during the Syracuse vs. Clemson college football game on September 20, 2025, caused ESPN to shift the broadcast, with the second half airing on ESPN2.
The game, originally scheduled to air at 12:00 p.m. ET on ESPN, encountered a weather delay when rain and lightning forced a temporary halt in play. This prompted ESPN to adjust its programming to accommodate the delay.
According to reports, the game was set to resume around 3:45 p.m. ET once the weather conditions improved. When play restarted, ESPN moved the remainder of the broadcast to ESPN2. This allowed viewers to continue watching the game without interruption despite the lengthy weather pause.
The first half was televised on ESPN as planned, but the broadcast switch was necessary due to ESPN’s scheduling requirements and the delay’s impact. Fans tuning in for the second half were advised to switch to ESPN2 to catch the conclusion.
The Syracuse Orange entered the game with a 2-1 record and no conference losses, while the Clemson Tigers were 1-2 overall with a 0-1 ACC record. The game was part of their Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) schedule, a competitive slate for both teams.
The final score saw Syracuse defeat Clemson 34-21, a result that further added intrigue to the ACC standings.
For viewers seeking to watch Clemson football in 2025, games are generally available across ESPN’s family of networks, including ESPN, ESPN2, and the ACC Network, with upcoming matchups on various channels subject to scheduling and potential unforeseen changes such as weather.
This incident underscores the flexibility required in live sports broadcasting to manage weather disruptions while maintaining viewer access.