{
  "id": 6215217,
  "title": "‘Like Playing a Game in 1990’: SMU and FSU Play Amid Power Outage",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/08/like-playing-a-game-in-1990-smu-and-fsu-play-amid-power-outage-6215217",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-08T02:14:28.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Front Office Sports",
    "slug": "front-office-sports",
    "url": "https://frontofficesports.com/article/smu-florida-state-play-week-1-game-amid-stadium-power-outage/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The first game of the college football season, between SMU and Florida State, was delayed by nearly two hours due to a power outage at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee. The game began at 9:15 p.m. ET, under unusual circumstances. Stadium lights were partially operational, and referees used their official clock, while ESPN's broadcast clock was unofficial and synced with officials during commercial breaks. Coach-to-player communication systems and iPads were unavailable, and instant replay was not possible. There was also no PA announcer due to the lack of electricity in the press box. ESPN pre-game host Taylor Tannenbaum described the production as \"bare-bones.\" Analysts Jimbo Fisher, Eric Mac Lain, and Eddie Royal discussed the game's challenges. Former broadcast analyst Dave Pasch referred to the game as \"like playing a game in 1990.\" The game's play-by-play would be handled by Pasch. SMU and Florida State faced numerous challenges due to the power outage, including no coach-to-player communication, no iPads, and no PA announcer. Stadium staff initially attempted to reset the transformer, which ultimately failed, leading to further delays. ACC commissioner Jim Phillips was present on the field during the delay, communicating with athletic directors of both teams. Coaches from both schools participated in discussions to find the best solution. Delaying the game to Tuesday was considered, but the Seminoles had a bye week in Week 2. SMU, however, was scheduled to host UC Davis in Texas the following week. With five minutes left in the first half, coach-to-player communication was restored. The game's circumstances created an unusual finish to Week 1 of the college football season.",
  "summary": "No coach-to-player helmet comms. No instant replay. But the show went on.",
  "key_points": [
    "SMU vs. FSU game delayed 2 hours due to power outage",
    "Stadium lights partially operational, no PA announcer",
    "Coaches and analysts referred to game as playing in 1990"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The power outage forced SMU and Florida State to adapt to old-school game conditions, temporarily stripping away modern conveniences like coach-to-player communication and instant replay.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "‘Like Playing a Game in 1990’: SMU and FSU Play Amid Power Outage",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/08/like-playing-a-game-in-1990-smu-and-fsu-play-amid-power-outage",
        "published": "2026-09-08T02:14:28.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}