ESPN broadcast pokes fun at Clemson over Cade Klubnik fake punt, Dabo Swinney reaction

The Clemson Tigers have been struggling mightily to get anything going in the first half against the Virginia Tech Hokies in Blacksburg on Saturday. And Clemson has had their fair share of special teams’ miscues. They tried some trickery by lining up Cade Klubnik as their punter in the second quarter, but the quarterback shanked it, drawing a laugh from his head coach and the ESPN broadcast crew.

Mark Jones and Roddy Jones had some fun breaking down Clemson's sneak punt with QB Cade Klubnik, a play that even Dabo Swinney couldn't help but laugh at. pic.twitter.com/eowj4naMUj

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) November 9, 2024

Clemson struggled on special teams in the first half, getting a kick blocked with 13:03 left in the 2nd quarter. Virginia Tech defensive lineman Keyshawn Burgos blocked it, and Quentin Reddish caught it and took it to the house, a 77-yard return. Special teams are nothing new in Blacksburg, as the program established a tradition of blocking punts over the years at Virginia Tech.

Virginia Tech lead Clemson 7-0 at the end of the first half. While the Tigers outgained the Hokies 152 yards to 96 yards, there were still a number of mistakes. Klubnik also threw an interception, and Antonio Williams dropped a pass that hit him squarely in the hands downfield. They’ll need to clean those up if they want to pull out a win in Blacksburg.

Clemson running back Phil Mafah was the bright spot for the Tigers, with 13 carries for 71 rushing yards in the first half. Virginia Tech receiver Stephen Gosnell was injured in the first half, but walked off the field without assistance. He seemed to be in a bit of pain, but managed to walk it off.

Gosnell eventually made his way into the medical tent to be evaluated by doctors and medical staff. Virginia Tech quarterback Kyron Drones appears to be injured, but has been playing banged up. He has a special sleeve on his right leg.