Power Outage at Doak Campbell Stadium Disrupts FSU-SMU Game

The college football weekend took an unexpected turn when a power outage at Doak Campbell Stadium led to a tumultuous evening in Tallahassee. Minutes before the ACC game between SMU and Florida State was set to conclude the Labor Day weekend, the stadium was plunged into darkness, causing both teams to retreat to the locker room.

The kickoff was planned for 7:39 p.m. ET, but a power surge left the stadium without lights, disrupting both teams just as they took the field. The situation posed significant challenges, as there would be no official replay available if the game proceeded. Florida State head coach Mike Norvell faced a critical decision, considering the impact on the match’s integrity without full stadium power.

Despite the difficulties, both SMU and FSU opted to continue the game, although half of the stadium remained powerless. Every twenty minutes, officials from both schools and ACC commissioner Jim Phillips met to discuss alternatives, should the situation persist. Throughout the ordeal, fans entertained themselves with impromptu games in the stands, while the Florida State marching band attempted to maintain enthusiasm.

At 8:45 p.m. ET, after a third meeting among officials, a decision was made to proceed with the game on Monday night without standard communication systems. This meant no helmet-to-helmet communications or sideline technology like iPads could be used. Both teams agreed to an old-school approach.

The officials started practicing hand signals with the coaches at 9:06 p.m. ET, while hoping that power would be restored by the second half. However, the lack of sideline communication significantly altered the dynamics of the game.

For SMU, rescheduling the game presented logistical challenges since they were set to host UC Davis that Saturday, while Florida State had the weekend free. Therefore, playing the game without further delay was imperative for both teams, despite the obstacles it posed.

The outcome held substantial importance for Florida State’s Mike Norvell, who faced pressure entering the season. SMU’s head coach, Rhett Lashlee, remarked that his team had not practiced without coach-to-player communication in over two years, making the situation unprecedented for them.

Although both teams had to navigate the same hindrances, the choice to play on Monday night was risky, with substantial implications for the coaches. While fans might have enjoyed the unconventional setting, the decision to play held considerable stakes for both SMU and Florida State.