ESPN made it extremely clear that the broadcast clock was not official FSU-SMU game clock

During the intense showdown between Florida State and SMU, the broadcast clock displayed by ESPN was not the official game clock, a fact that was made abundantly clear to viewers. The game was delayed due to a power outage at Doak Campbell Stadium, causing significant confusion. ESPN play-by-play announcer Dave Pasch repeatedly emphasized that the clock on the screen was unofficial, even displaying the message, "OFFICIAL TIME BEING KEPT ON FIELD."

Pasch explained that the officials were keeping the time, syncing it with the game clock every commercial break. As of halftime, SMU was leading Florida State, 17-10, and the contest was far from over. The power outage had created a unique situation where the officials were the authoritative timekeepers, a reminder that even in the world of sports, power can be a crucial factor.