What happens if Donald Trump decides to go to the bathroom during the Texas vs. Tennessee game?

President Donald Trump’s presence at Saturday’s Texas-Tennessee matchup could create an unusual sideline problem, and it has nothing to do with the action on the field.

Trump is expected to attend the highly anticipated college football clash at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, where No. 1 Texas will face No. 14 Tennessee.

His appearance will bring increased security around the venue, but Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian has revealed that the president’s movements inside the stadium could also affect how the teams communicate during the game.

In particular, the communication systems used by coaches and players can be switched off when Trump enters, leaves or changes locations within the stadium.

That could mean a seemingly routine trip to the restroom might briefly leave coaches without their usual headset connection.

Sarkisian discussed the unusual situation during a news conference Thursday, explaining that communication between coaches, as well as coach-to-player communication, is cut whenever the president moves around the venue.

“The one thing that you have to be aware of when the president goes to any game is that any time he enters the stadium or leaves the stadium, or changes locations within the stadium, they cut all communication,” Sarkisian said.

The Texas coach also stressed that the teams won't necessarily receive advance notice before the communication systems are disconnected.

That creates an extra wrinkle for coaches trying to make adjustments during a game. If Trump suddenly changes locations during an important drive, the coaching staff could find itself temporarily unable to communicate through its normal headset system.

Trump’s movements could cause surprise communication blackouts

Sarkisian said he has already experienced the issue at another major college football game. He noted that similar communication interruptions occurred during the national championship matchup between Indiana and Miami while Trump was in attendance.

As a result, Texas will need to be prepared for the possibility of operating without its normal communications. Tennessee could face the same situation, making contingency plans particularly important for both coaching staffs.

It's also unclear exactly how long an individual communication blackout will last or how often it could happen during Saturday's game. Much will depend on whether Trump remains in one location or moves around the venue.

His visit is expected to affect spectators, too. Fans have been encouraged to arrive early because enhanced Secret Service screening and additional security measures could lead to longer lines and delays when entering Neyland Stadium.

There had also been questions about whether Trump would make an appearance on ESPN’s College GameDay before kickoff. However, he isn't expected to join the pregame show or serve as its guest picker. That role is set to go to Knoxville native Johnny Knoxville.

If Trump decides to make a bathroom trip during the Texas-Tennessee game, the president won't be stopping play. But his movement could briefly silence the headsets, leaving coaches to rely on their backup plans until communication is restored.