Michigan State-Minnesota football game delayed due to lightning

MINNEAPOLIS – Michigan State and Minnesota will not kick off on time.

A lightning strike in the area is delaying the scheduled 8 p.m. start time, and a large band of storms is just west of TCF Bank Stadium.

The current start time is expected to be 8:44 p.m. Big Ten rules force a 30-minute wait after a lightning strike, with the clock reset each time one is seen.

BEEDLE OUT AGAIN: Michigan State will be without starting right guard David Beedle for the third straight game when the 22nd-ranked Spartans take on Minnesota on Saturday night.

True freshman Kevin Jarvis is expected to get another start at right guard for MSU (4-1, 2-0 Big Ten).

A steady-to-heavy rain is expected to continue from the 8 p.m. kickoff throughout the evening in Minneapolis. The Spartans played in a downpour last week at Michigan, riding out that storm for a 14-10 victory.

MORE:Follow live: Michigan State football vs. Minnesota

MORE:How to watch: Michigan State vs. Minnesota football start time, TV channel, etc.

Running backs LJ Scott and Gerald Holmes are both dressed. Scott dressed but sat out last week’s game at Michigan, while Holmes was injured but returned against the Wolverines.

“LJ will play, Gerald will probably play as well,” coach Mark Dantonio said on his pregame radio show. “I think we’re in good position there.”

MSU did not bring true freshman kick returner Andre Welch or senior offensive lineman Dennis Finley.

True freshman Rocky Lombardi did make the travel roster as the Spartans’ fourth quarterback after staying at home for the Michigan game last week.

Contact Chris Solari: csolari@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @chrissolari.