Clemson fans erupted in cheers, and the Swinney family celebrated a clever play, but one member of the clan was noticeably surprised during Clemson’s recent victory over Florida State: Dabo Swinney’s wife. The reason? The Clemson coach and his son, wide receiver Clay Swinney, had conspired to execute a trick two-point conversion, keeping the entire plan a secret from Mrs. Swinney.

The play, a fake field goal attempt where Clay Swinney, the holder, would take off running, had been meticulously drawn up and practiced. The coaching staff, Clay himself, and seemingly everyone in Memorial Stadium knew it was a distinct possibility. However, Dabo Swinney intentionally kept his wife in the dark, leading to a genuinely surprised reaction when the play unfolded.

"Don't tell mom," seemed to be the unspoken mantra leading up to the game. The decision to exclude her from the strategic loop appears to have been a playful one, adding an extra layer of excitement to the already high-stakes contest against a conference rival.

The conversion attempt occurred at a pivotal moment in the game, adding to the tension and drama. When Clay Swinney took off running instead of holding for the kick, the crowd gasped, then roared its approval as he successfully crossed the goal line for the crucial two points.

While the specific reasoning behind keeping Mrs. Swinney uninformed remains a lighthearted mystery, it's clear that the father-son duo shared a special moment on the field. The successful conversion not only contributed to Clemson's victory but also created a memorable family anecdote. It's a testament to the close-knit nature of the Swinney family and their ability to find joy and humor even amidst the pressures of college football. One can only imagine the conversation that took place after the game when Mrs. Swinney finally learned about the secret plan and her husband and son's little game.