The final game in the Week 1 slate of the 2026 college football season is a Labor Day matchup between Florida State and No. 20 SMU, although it is not going to start on time.
The game, taking place at the Seminoles' Doak Campbell Stadium on Monday, Sept. 7, will not kick off a 7:30 p.m. ET due to a power outage in the stadium. The ESPN broadcast noted the power went out just before the game began, and after it was initially reported the game would still begin on time, it remained delayed as sunset approached in Tallahassee.
The lights flickered inside the stadium around 7:40 p.m. ET. ESPN sideline reporter Taylor McGregor said officials were
working to turn the power back on.
It's not the delay people expected for this game as it was happening as a storm warning is in effect for Tallahassee, Florida. AccuWeather noted thunderstorms were possible in the area, and by kickoff the weather is expected to be "mostly cloudy with thunderstorms." The National Weather Service stated there was a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms.
However, it's not weather that is the issue, but the power.
Florida State vs SMU power outage updates
The Seminoles vs. Mustangs game was slated to start at 7:30 p.m. ET, but it will be delayed as a result of a power outage.
As of 7:45 p.m. ET, the power is still out and there is no updated kick off time.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Florida State vs SMU updates: Power outage delays Labor Day game
