Florida State and No. 19 SMU finally kicked off at 9:15 p.m. ET, almost two hours late, under conditions you wouldn’t believe. This wasn’t just a simple delay, this was a full-on operational nightmare that had both programs playing severely restricted. Imagine watching a high-stakes football game unfold with zero normal tech. Crazy, right?
Power Grid Punch-Out Before Kickoff
What happened? A nearly two-hour power outage at Doak Campbell Stadium completely wrecked the scheduled 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff. We’re talking an electrical short in the main transformer on the west side tower, taking out half the stadium. The countdown clock just froze at 7:30 p.m., the stadium lights went dark, and everyone was left in the lurch. ACC commissioner Jim Phillips even had to chat with SMU’s Damon Evans and Florida State’s Michael Alford right there on the field, trying to figure out what to do before they went inside for deeper talks. Teams ran out of their tunnels, then got sent right back to the locker rooms moments later! What a scene for a highly anticipated Labor Day finale.
No Lights, No Tech, No Chill
ESPN confirmed it: this game was going ahead despite unbelievable limitations. According to Yahoo Sports, we’re talking no full stadium lights, no working public address speakers, no referee microphones, no sideline iPads for coaches, zero coach-to-player helmet communications, and no functioning scoreboards. How do you even play a big game when you’re missing all that? Yet, a few specialists returned to warm up, Florida State’s punter encouraged the fans to cheer, the school’s band played, and people were doing the wave with beach balls. It shows the spirit, but man, what a challenge for FSU (1-0) and SMU (0-0) to open their seasons like this!
It was a total mess before the game even started, but you gotta respect the grit from both sides. What a way for these teams to battle through unexpected chaos on the field, with the whole football world watching a game barely happening.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
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