COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) - The game between No. 1 Alabama and Missouri resumed after a 38-minute delay due to lightning with the top-ranked Tide leading 27-0 midway through the second quarter.

Thousands of fans decided not to return on a miserable, rainy Saturday. Tail lights from a long line of cars heading out of town were visible from the press box.

The game was halted after lightning appeared to strike near Faurot Field with 8:40 to go, right after a touchdown run by T.J. Yeldon capped by a leap for the pylon the last 5 yards or so was confirmed on replay.

The stands were virtually empty about 10 minutes after the game was suspended. SEC rules call for a mandatory 30-minute period without detecting lightning within a 6-mile radius followed by a 10-minute warmup before play can be resumed, rules that apparently were bent a bit.

Before play resumed, officials announced there would be a five-minute break at the half, 10 minutes shorter than the norm.

The game resumed with an extra-point kick that made it 28-0. Missouri's Marcus Murphy returned the ensuing kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown.

Alabama enjoyed a 311-40 advantage in total yards when the game was stopped.

Missouri officials could not remember a game being halted due to weather at home. The Tigers' game at Texas Aug. 31, 1996 was delayed because of lighting for 45 minutes in the third quarter.