Dabo Swinney says Cade Klubnik didn’t run the play called on failed fourth down in Clemson’s 2OT loss to Miami

The fallout from Clemson’s disappointing 28-20 double-overtime loss at Miami has incorporated numerous grievance for the offensive facet of the ball. The Tigers had been not able to get a hold of the performs wanted overdue to protect what were a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter. 

One may level to a number of overlooked alternatives down the stretch, nevertheless it used to be the Tigers’ ultimate offensive play that stands proud the maximum. Clemson confronted fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line on the 2d ownership of double extra time. Quarterback Cade Klubnik faked a handoff and attempted to beat the Miami protection round the edge. He used to be met nearly in an instant through Miami linebacker Corey Flagg Jr. and pushed again 8 yards for the game-ending take on. 

The indisputable fact that Klubnik selected to take a look at to make a play himself relatively than permit working again Will Shipley to take a look at to transfer the pile ahead for the 1 backyard wanted created numerous confusion amongst Clemson lovers. As it seems, the play name used to be no longer an RPO (run-pass possibility), quarterback keeper, or zone learn. Klubnik used to be intended to hand it off to Shipley however selected to pull it himself. 

“No, it was a handoff, 100% and we didn’t hand it off,” Swinney told 247Sports after the recreation. “[Klubnik] just pulled it. I’ve got no answer. I mean, just trying to do too much.”

Klubnik showed the play name to journalists after the recreation, noting that he used to be “just trying to make a play” and took complete duty for the failed fourth down, noting that he would “hand it off 10 times out of 10” if he had the play again once more. 

This isn’t the first time Clemson has struggled with offensive execution in key moments of shut video games. The Tigers additionally had a blown lead and extra time disasters in the loss to Florida State previous this season. Now at 4-3, Clemson faces a last time table that also comprises Notre Dame, North Carolina and South Carolina with little margin for error to achieve bowl eligibility. For a program that has received seven of the ultimate 8 ACC Championships and used to be picked to achieve this once more heading into the season, combating to make a bowl recreation is large drop-off.