It had to be a thrill for ESPN play-by-play voice Joe Tessitore, calling a college football game Saturday afternoon involving his son. But Tessitore likely didn’t anticipate seeing his son, the punter and placeholder for Boston College, under center for one of the game’s most pivotal moments as BC attempted to upset Clemson.
Even without Trevor Lawrence playing for Clemson, a win by BC might have been the biggest upset in college football this season. And heavy underdogs rarely complete the stunning victory without trickery.
Lining up for a 40-yard field goal late in the first half, BC was ready to tack three onto their 21-10 lead over Clemson. With the kicker waiting for the snap, placeholder John Tessitore quickly ran under center as if he was going to quarterback a trick play. Clemson jumped, giving BC a fresh set of downs and an awesome moment for John Tessitore’s father who was in the booth narrating the play.
“He has played every position growing up from prep quarterback, receiver,” Tessitore said shortly after the surprising play call. “He’s pulled off multiple fakes and he did it here.”
The ESPN announcer almost certainly offered those bits of information without the help of a stat-person handing him a page of notes after digging through John Tessitore’s high school career.
“I know you really had to grind on the week of prep to find out all the detailed history on John Tessitore,” joked color analyst Greg McElroy.
The very next play, BC completed an 18-yard touchdown score, increasing their lead to 28-10 with just over a minute left in the first half. Clemson ultimately came back to nix the upset attempt by BC, but not before the Tessitore family enjoyed a great moment.
Brandon Contes is a former reporter for BSM, now working for Awful Announcing. You can find him on Twitter @BrandonContes or reach him by email at Brandon.Contes@gmail.com.
