The game played in the dark with no scoreboard or headsets
In short: Imagine a college football game starting an hour and 40 minutes late, with no scoreboard, no coach-to-player headsets, and no video review. This wasn't a movie script; it was the reality of the 2026 SMU Mustangs' victory over Florida State after a catastrophic stadium power outage.
The 2026 SMU Mustangs season was defined by high-stakes drama and technical anomalies. On Labor Day, a major power outage hit Doak Campbell Stadium during a matchup against Florida State. Despite the lack of electrical infrastructure, the game proceeded with SMU eventually securing a 27–24 win. The team had to navigate the game without the standard tools of modern football, including the ability for coaches to communicate with players via headsets or for officials to use video reviews. The season also served as a historic platform for veteran quarterback Kevin Jennings. In a game against UC Davis, Jennings broke Ben Hicks' record of 8,977 total yards to become the school's all-time leader. He further cemented his legacy by breaking four more school records against Missouri State, including surpassing Josh McCown's mark of 19 consecutive completions by throwing 21 in a row. His tenure was notable for its longevity, marking his fifth year with the program in an era otherwise dominated by the transfer portal. However, the season was a study in contrasts. While the offense was often explosive—totaling nearly 600 yards against Florida State—the team struggled significantly with turnovers and special teams. By the time they faced Missouri State, SMU held one of the worst turnover margins in all of FBS football. Despite these recurring issues, the Mustangs managed to find success, including a defensive masterclass against Boston College where they sacked the opposing quarterback five times and committed zero turnovers.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: 2026 SMU Mustangs football team
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