Social media erupts as SMU-Florida State goes on despite power failure

College football's first week wasn't going to end without another fiasco.

This one had nothing to do with the teams on the field. SMU and Florida State were supposed to kick off in Tallahassee. All seemed well. The coin toss happened.

And then the power went out at the stadium.

The delay was almost two hours. There was no coach-to-helmet communication. The press box had no power.

So, why not go ahead and play an ACC conference game? What do the Mustangs or Seminoles have to lose?

Social media didn't lose its power and went to work.

Rhett Lashlee to @Taylor_McGregor on how no coach-to-player communication will impact game. Lashlee told her SMU has not practiced without coach-to-player communication in two years. (One thing there IS tonight — booth

to sideline headset communication.) https://t.co/2nT4Xpe8ls

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) September 8, 2026

SMU-FSU played despite power failure

I’ll tell you one thing.

There’s not a chance I’m trusting this game clock tonight. pic.twitter.com/IqmCWesa17

— Ben Stevens (@BenScottStevens) September 7, 2026

SMU-FSU played despite power failure

Normally this happens in Vegas with more than 5 minutes left in the 4th quarter before games become official for wagering purposes… https://t.co/phFZPab18d

— Todd Fuhrman (@ToddFuhrman) September 8, 2026

SMU-FSU played despite power failure

Been a rough opening gambling week for me. I had the power will work at Doak Campbell -10000 tonight.

— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) September 8, 2026

SMU-FSU played despite power failure

The lights are ON at our house 😉
See YOU at Hard Rock on Thursday 🙌 pic.twitter.com/DRElnDpKWU

— Miami Hurricanes (@MiamiHurricanes) September 8, 2026

SMU-FSU played despite power failure

Sources: Michigan has formally applied for ACC membership after hearing tonight’s contest would be played without a game clock on the field. pic.twitter.com/52ppNBii89

— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) September 8, 2026

SMU-FSU played despite power failure

SMU WITH THE FIRST TOUCHDOWN OF THE NIGHT AGAINST FLORIDA STATE.

WOW.
pic.twitter.com/oJ7HUOx1i7

— MLFootball (@MLFootball) September 8, 2026

SMU-FSU played despite power failure

Live look at Florida State and SMU in their respective locker rooms. pic.twitter.com/fnfa6pbsek

— Tom Fornelli (@TomFornelli) September 8, 2026

SMU-FSU played despite power failure

If the Florida state/ SMU game doesn’t get played- don’t feel bad for the players, feel bad for these guys…. pic.twitter.com/ksA9XlfUvS

— Amanda Vance (@amandacvance) September 8, 2026

This article originally appeared on The List Wire: Social media erupts as SMU-Florida State goes on despite power failure