A Division II college football game between Colorado School of Mines and Washburn concluded in a 16-16 tie Saturday after being suspended in overtime due to extreme heat in Kansas. The heat index reached 107 degrees, prompting officials to stop the game, according to a release from Colorado School of Mines.
A lengthy delay followed, and with the temperature not expected to drop below the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association's required 92.1 degrees until the evening, the game was declared a tie. This marks the first tie for Colorado School of Mines since 1977.
The game's kickoff time was adjusted twice, initially moved from noon Central to 7:05 p.m. and then to 9:05 a.m. Central to accommodate expected heat and travel plans. Despite these changes, the entire contest could not be completed.
Colorado School of Mines had taken a 16-10 lead in the second half with two field goals from kicker Preston Kyle. Washburn responded with a 41-yard touchdown reception from Nathan Lewis Jr., who recorded 141 receiving yards for the game. However, the extra point attempt was blocked. In the closing moments of regulation, Kyle missed a 64-yard field goal that would have secured a victory for Colorado School of Mines.
Other Week 1 games were also affected by the heat. The final quarter of the South Carolina versus Kent State game was shortened from 15 minutes to 10 minutes amid temperatures that were 95 degrees at kickoff and rose to 99 degrees at halftime, as reported by The State. South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer acknowledged the challenging conditions, expressing appreciation for the fans who remained.
Georgia's game against Tennessee State reportedly had the hottest kickoff temperature in the Bulldogs' history, reaching 100 degrees.