November 7, 2009. Christian Ponder is picked off late by DeAndre McDaniel to seal a Clemson win. On the return, as Ponder is getting set to make the tackle, McDaniel infamously points to him, warning the Seminole QB that might not be in his best interest, basically “calling his shot.”
Ponder didn’t heed the warning. The ensuing collision resulted in a separated shoulder, and ended the quarterbacks season.
The INT gave the Tigers the ball inside the FSU ten yard line. CJ Spiller would then put the dagger into the Seminoles hearts with a 6 yard TD run that gave Clemson a 40-24 lead with about 3 minutes remaining.
McDaniel played at Clemson from 2007- 2010. He was named first team All ACC freshman in 2007, and first team All ACC in 2009 and 2010. He is currently on Dabo Swinney’s staff as a defensive analyst, a position he’s held since 2015.
Watch the infamous hit at the link below.