When the season kicked off, both Penn State and Clemson had their sights set much higher than the Pinstripe Bowl. These were programs with playoff aspirations, national buzz, and rosters that looked built to contend. But instead of preparing for a New Year’s Six showdown, they’re heading to Yankee Stadium on Saturday, each trying to cap off a turbulent year with a win that offers a little redemption-and maybe a glimpse of what’s next.
Two Bluebloods, One Bumpy Road
Let’s start with Penn State. The Nittany Lions stumbled hard in the middle of the season, dropping six straight games and ultimately making the tough call to fire longtime head coach James Franklin in October.
That move came mid-skid, with the program clearly in need of a reset. Enter Terry Smith, the interim coach who steadied the ship just enough to close the regular season on a three-game win streak-knocking off Michigan State, Nebraska, and Rutgers to get bowl-eligible.
Smith will stay on the sidelines for the bowl game, even though the program has already tapped Iowa State’s Matt Campbell as the next head coach. For Smith, this game is about more than just the scoreboard.
“We're gonna put together the best team going forward for the bowl game, and we're gonna play hard and we're going out there to play as good a football as we can possibly play,” Smith told 247Sports. “Our fans will be proud of the effort that we put out there.”
That effort will come without several key players. Running back Nicholas Singleton, guard Vega Ioane, defensive tackle Zane Durant, and safety Zakee Wheatley have all opted out.
On top of that, freshman defensive end Chaz Coleman and cornerbacks A.J. Harris and Elliot Washington II are headed to the transfer portal.
Still, the Nittany Lions will have quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer under center. The freshman stepped in after Drew Allar suffered a fractured ankle, and while Grunkemeyer’s numbers-1,079 yards, six touchdowns, four picks in 10 games (six starts)-don’t jump off the page, his poise has earned respect in the locker room. He’s not just playing in the bowl game-he’s embracing the opportunity.
“I think this game means a lot,” Grunkemeyer told reporters. “First and foremost, finishing on a high note through a challenging season, and I think that's the most important thing, and then also just keeping the momentum going for the guys from the past couple weeks.”
He’ll have some help. Running back Kaytron Allen, who racked up 1,303 yards and 15 touchdowns this season, is expected to play. So is top wideout Trebor Pena, who led the team with 44 catches for 452 yards.
Clemson’s Own Course Correction
Over on the Clemson sideline, the story isn’t much different. The Tigers came into the year with high expectations and a roster that looked like it could make noise in the ACC.
But after a sluggish start-including a head-scratching loss to Duke-Clemson’s season veered off course. There were real questions about the program’s direction, and even Dabo Swinney seemed to acknowledge the pressure after that Duke loss, joking that he wouldn’t blame his athletic director if he got fired.
But credit where it’s due: the Tigers rallied. They closed the season on a four-game win streak, beating Florida State, Louisville, Furman, and rival South Carolina to finish at 7-5 and keep the streak of winning seasons alive.
Now, though, they’ll be without a big chunk of their starting lineup. Swinney said last week that seven offensive starters and seven defensive starters will miss the bowl game due to injuries, opt-outs, or draft prep.
That includes defensive linemen Peter Woods and T.J. Parker, linebacker Wade Woodaz (out after surgery), cornerback Avieon Terrell, and safety Khalil Barnes, among others.
Still, quarterback Cade Klubnik will suit up. The former five-star has had an up-and-down season-2,750 yards, 16 touchdowns, six interceptions-but he’s not shying away from this one. With NFL scouts watching and a chance to end the year strong, Klubnik sees this as a valuable showcase.
“It’s another game I get to go play and go help myself for what’s next,” Klubnik said. “I love football and I just-I just don’t think (opting out) is something I would ever do, to be honest.”
He’ll have some firepower to work with. Running back Adam Randall (779 yards, nine touchdowns) and leading receiver T.J. Moore (46 catches, 754 yards, four touchdowns) are expected to be in the lineup.
A Rare Matchup in a Historic Venue
This will be just the second-ever meeting between Penn State and Clemson. The first?
A 35-10 Clemson win in the Citrus Bowl way back on New Year’s Day in 1988. So yeah, it’s been a while.
Saturday’s game will also mark Clemson’s first appearance at Yankee Stadium, while Penn State returns to the Pinstripe Bowl for the first time since 2014-a game they won. And if you’re into trends, the Big Ten has owned the ACC in this bowl, winning eight straight matchups. Most recently, Nebraska edged Boston College 20-15 last year.
But trends aside, this one’s about two proud programs trying to close a challenging season on a high note. Between the opt-outs, the coaching changes, and the what-could-have-beens, there’s still talent on both sidelines-and plenty of motivation to go out and make a statement.
It may not be the postseason destination either team envisioned, but don’t be surprised if the Pinstripe Bowl delivers a gritty, competitive game between two teams eager to turn the page.