Minutes before SMU and FSU were set to close out Labor Day weekend with there ACC game to finish week one, the lights went out inside the stadium that forced both teams back into the locker room.The game was scheduled to kickoff at 7:39 p.m.ET, but a power surge sent the stadium into darkness just as both teams had taking the field.Trust me, the jokes could write themselves for Florida State, but this unfortunate set of circumstances for everyone involved turned into a chaotic night.A very critical decision awaited, knowing there would also be no official replay during the game if both schools decided to playHead Coach Mike Norvell of the Florida State Seminoles stands on the field before a game against the SMU Mustangs at Doak S.
Campbell Stadium on Bobby Bowden Field in Tallahassee, Fla., on Sept.7, 2026.
(Getty Images).Every twenty minutes, officials from both schools and ACC commissioner Jim Phillips were meeting to discuss possible outcomes if they weren’t able to play the game on Monday night.For the fans, credit to them for sticking around through the madness, with games being played in the stands and the Florida State marching band trying their best to keep them all engaged.But, this was a mess.At 8:45 ET, following a third meeting between officials, the decision was made to play the game on Monday night without any type of communications.
This included helmet-to-helmet comms, communication between coordinators or iPad usage along the sideline.A general view from the 50-yard line inside Doak S.Campbell Stadium on Bobby Bowden Field before Florida State hosted No.
19 SMU in Tallahassee, Fla., on Sept.7, 2026.
(Getty Images)Simply put, both teams decided to go full old-school tonight in Tallahassee.MICHIGAN-WESTERN MICHIGAN CLOCK CONTROVERSY LEAVES PLAYERS, FANS AND A RULES ANALYST PUZZLEDThe officials were having to practice hand signals with the coaches from both teams at 9:06 p.m.ET, while stadium officials were praying that the power would be fully...