The SMU vs Florida State matchup took an unexpected turn Monday night when a power outage at Doak Campbell Stadium delayed kickoff for nearly two hours.
The highly anticipated FSU vs SMU game was originally scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. ET in Tallahassee, but a transformer-related electrical failure knocked out stadium lighting just as both teams were preparing for their entrances.
Why was the FSU game delayed today?
The FSU game was delayed because of a power outage inside Doak Campbell Stadium. The stadium lights suddenly went out shortly after the teams completed their pregame preparations, forcing officials to postpone kickoff.
The outage was reportedly caused by an electrical short involving the main transformer supplying power to the stadium. Fans were informed through the stadium screens that the Florida State game would be delayed.
Both teams eventually returned to the field, with kickoff taking place at approximately 9:15 p.m. ET.
SMU vs Florida State finally kicks off
Despite the lengthy SMU vs FSU delay, officials determined that the game could safely continue. The matchup began with several important technological limitations.
At kickoff, the stadium did not have its normal:
- Public-address system
- Scoreboard
- Coach-to-player helmet communication
- Replay-review system
- Standard stadium lighting
The official game clock was initially maintained on the field.
By halftime, many of those systems had been restored, including the scoreboard, play clock, game clock, replay review and coach-to-player communication. However, portions of the stadium remained dark because not every light had returned to service.
SMU score vs FSU score
The SMU score ultimately finished at 27, while the Florida State score was 24.
That gave SMU a 27-24 victory in a game that was already one of the most unusual matchups of the early college football season.
The result means searches for the FSU score, FSU football score, Florida State score and SMU score now point to a 27-24 SMU victory.
SMU Mustangs football vs Florida State Seminoles football
The matchup brought together two programs with significant ambitions.
The No. 19 SMU Mustangs football team entered the contest as a 2.5-point favorite. SMU had reached the College Football Playoff two seasons earlier and was looking to build on its 9-4 campaign from last year.
Meanwhile, Florida State football entered the game after opening its season with a Week 0 victory over New Mexico State.
For FSU, the SMU vs Florida State matchup was particularly important because the Seminoles face another major challenge against No. 13 Alabama next week.
Key players and coaching storylines
The matchup also generated considerable interest around the quarterbacks and coaches on both sides. Kevin Jennings was among the names associated with the SMU offense, while Mike Norvell continued to lead the Florida State program.
SMU coach Rhett Lashlee faced a difficult road test against the Seminoles, while Florida State’s coaching staff had to manage an extraordinary pregame disruption before eventually getting the game underway.
Search interest also surrounded players and names including Ashton Daniels, Duce Robinson, Ousmane Kromah, Yannick Smith, Jalen Cooper and Yamir Knight.
Because the game was played under unusual circumstances, searches for SMU football vs Florida State Seminoles football match player stats and Florida State Seminoles football vs SMU football match player stats are expected to remain high as fans look for the full statistical breakdown.
What happened at Doak Campbell Stadium?
The blackout happened as the teams were making their entrances. The stadium lights flickered and then went out, leaving players and fans waiting while officials assessed the situation.
The teams initially remained on their respective sidelines after the coin toss. With the lights unavailable, it became clear that the 7:30 p.m. kickoff would not happen.
At 7:53 p.m., both teams left the field and returned to their locker rooms.
The delay continued well beyond the originally planned kickoff before the stadium regained enough lighting to allow play.
The situation also created questions about whether the FSU game delay could push the contest into Tuesday. Ultimately, that did not happen.
Was the Florida State game delayed because of weather?
No. Unlike several recent college football delays caused by lightning and storms, the SMU vs Florida State delay was caused by a stadium power failure.
The incident was therefore specifically an FSU power outage, rather than a weather-related postponement.
There was also discussion of a broader Florida State power outage and reports of an overnight campus outage, adding to the unusual circumstances surrounding the game.
Where to watch Florida State Seminoles football vs SMU football
Fans searching for where to watch Florida State Seminoles football vs SMU football were ultimately able to follow the game after the extended delay.
The contest was played at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida, with kickoff eventually coming at approximately 9:15 p.m. ET.
Those searching for where to watch SMU football vs Florida State Seminoles football should also check their local listings and the official broadcast information for future meetings, as television and streaming arrangements can vary.
SMU and FSU schedules moving forward
The SMU football schedule continues with UC Davis next week after the trip to Tallahassee.
For Florida State, the FSU football schedule becomes even more challenging. The Seminoles are scheduled to face No. 13 Alabama on the road next week, giving Florida State football another opportunity to make an early statement.
The result against SMU will therefore be an important part of the Seminoles’ early-season story.
Final thoughts on SMU vs FSU
The SMU vs Florida State game will be remembered for far more than its final score. A transformer failure, nearly two-hour delay and limited stadium technology created an unusual setting for a nationally significant college football matchup.
Once the game finally began, SMU emerged with a 27-24 win over Florida State.
For the Mustangs, the victory strengthens their early-season momentum. For FSU, the loss adds urgency ahead of a difficult game against Alabama.
The FSU SMU game, meanwhile, will go down as one of the strangest nights of the season in Tallahassee — a contest where fans had to wait nearly two hours before the action could finally begin.
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