Florida State-SMU power outage has massive consequences for Monday night showdown
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If you like CFB with an old school feel, tune in to the Florida State vs. SMU football game at 9:15 PM EDT on September 7. There will not be throwback uniforms, but the rest of the atmosphere will have a nostalgic feel.
A power outage before kickoff has created massive chaos. Fans were using their phone flashlights for lighting as the problem was being worked on. Somehow the game will go on as planned, but it will not look like anything fans are accustomed to seeing.
MORE: Florida State-SMU football game gets unexpected delay
What won’t be in use for the Florida State vs. SMU game
The lights are on, but that’s about it.
Technology knocked offline will seemingly not be back on for kickoff.
This includes Ipads, coach-to-player communication, or replay.
Florida State fans hold their phones in the air with flashlights on after a power outage during the game against SMU caused a delay Monday, Sept. 7, 2026.
Fans may be in the dark, pun intended, because there also will not be a PA announcer or scoreboard.
Nothing about this game has gone as planned including the pregame practice of sticking the spear on the field.
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ESPN remains on-air
ESPN is not using the stadium power to broadcast so it is business as usual for the network. It poses logistical problems for the crew who were planning for a 7:30 PM EDT kickoff. The game will now end nearly two hours later than expected.
However, Florida State spent $250 million to renovate the stadium so this is not a good look.
Watch Florida State take on SMU on ESPN.
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