Story perspectives

SMU stuns Florida State 27-24 after delayed kickoff

9/9/2026

Summary

SMU Upset

SMU Mustangs beat Florida State Seminoles 27-24.
A power outage at Doak Campbell Stadium delayed kickoff by nearly two hours.
Kevin Jennings completed 26 of 36 passes for a career-high 430 yards and three touchdowns.
Nick Reed kicked a 20-yard field goal with 21 seconds left to win.
SMU amassed 585 total yards the most ever against an ACC opponent.

Summary

Norvell Under Fire

Florida State head coach Mike Norvell faced renewed scrutiny after the loss, with fans chanting “Fire Norvell” in the stadium.
Social media amplified calls for Norvell’s dismissal, citing his $45 million buyout as a costly obstacle.
The rock-breaking ritual originated from Arizona State staff, introduced by Shawn Griswold and FSU aide Josh Storms.
SMU strength coach Shawn Griswold, hired in January 2022, copied the slab-smashing ritual from his time with FSU staff.

Summary

Phillips Manages Outage

ACC commissioner Jim Phillips met SMU AD Damon Evans and Florida State AD Michael Alford on the field during outage.
Four generators on the stadium’s ninth floor were activated to restore enough lighting for play.
The outage eliminated sideline iPads, coach-to-player radios, public address announcer, scoreboard and video replay.
ESPN reporter Taylor McGregor provided continuous on-field updates, becoming the broadcast’s primary information source.

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SMU Upset

SMU Mustangs beat Florida State Seminoles 27-24.
A power outage at Doak Campbell Stadium delayed kickoff by nearly two hours.
Kevin Jennings completed 26 of 36 passes for a career-high 430 yards and three touchdowns.
Nick Reed kicked a 20-yard field goal with 21 seconds left to win.
SMU amassed 585 total yards the most ever against an ACC opponent.

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