Full Breakdown
SMU Edges Florida State 27-24 After Power Outage Delays Season Opener
9/9/2026, 8:07:21 AM
Game Overview
In the opening weekend of ACC play, the No. 19 SMU Mustangs defeated the Florida State Seminoles by a field-goal margin, 27-24. The contest was postponed for nearly two hours after a transformer failure plunged Doak Campbell Stadium into darkness just before kickoff. Play eventually resumed under limited lighting, with officials keeping time on the field and the scoreboard remaining offline for much of the first half. SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings threw for a career-high 430 yards and three touchdowns, while the Mustangs amassed 585 total yards. Florida State managed 324 yards and forced four turnovers but could not convert on its 15 third-down attempts, finishing 2-of-15.
Background & Context
The matchup marked the ACC opener for both programs and was scheduled for the Labor Day weekend. A sudden power outage caused a 90-minute delay, eliminating coach-to-player radios, sideline iPads, public-address announcements and video replay. Generators eventually restored enough illumination for the game to continue, but the unusual conditions forced both teams to adapt on the fly.
Data & Statistics
- SMU total offense: 585 yards (career-high for the program against an ACC opponent)
- Florida State total offense: 324 yards (199 rushing, 125 passing)
- Third-down conversions: SMU 8-of-14; Florida State 2-of-15
- Turnovers: SMU 4 (including two interceptions by Jennings); Florida State 0 (forced three turnovers, including a muffed punt)
- Scoring: SMU field goal by Nick Reed with 21 seconds left secured the win; Florida State’s final drive ended with a turnover on a last-ditch lateral.
Official Statements & Responses
SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee praised his quarterback’s composure, noting that Jennings “was in control” and highlighted the team’s ability to stay calm amid the chaotic delay. Lashlee also emphasized the Mustangs’ execution on third down and the defensive effort that limited Florida State’s scoring opportunities.
He stressed the need for better protection in the passing game and more consistent execution on third down.
ACC commissioner Jim Phillips briefed the media on the stadium’s technical issue, confirming that electricians were working to restore power and that the decision to proceed was made jointly by both schools’ athletic directors.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We asked them to be calm in the chaos,” — Rhett Lashlee, SMU coach
- “It was still our first game. We were getting a feel for the little things,” — Kevin Jennings
- “It's easy for me, just go through my reads and find the open guy,” — Kevin Jennings
- “Tonight, coming off of it, just another close game, a lot of one plays,” — Mike Norvell, Florida State coach
- “We were able to create takeaways. It’s something that we knew going into the game was going to be a big factor,” — Mike Norvell
- “You’re not gonna score points if you can’t string first downs together,” — Ashton Daniels
What’s Next
SMU will host FCS opponent UC Davis in its next home game. Florida State has a bye week before traveling to face No. 13 Alabama on the following Saturday. Both programs will look to address the execution issues highlighted by the delayed opener as the ACC season progresses.
