Clemson’s Defense Faces Major Test in Pinstripe Bowl Amid Mass Absences
Clemson is heading into the Pinstripe Bowl with a skeleton crew on defense - 27 players won’t suit up against Penn State, including six starters on that side of the ball. For any team, that’s a tall order. But for first-year defensive coordinator Tom Allen, it’s also an opportunity.
The Tigers will be without several key contributors due to opt-outs, injuries, and transfer portal exits. Cornerback Avieon Terrell, edge rusher T.J.
Parker, and defensive tackles Peter Woods and DeMonte Capehart have opted out. Linebacker Wade Woodaz is out with an injury, and safety Khalil Barnes has entered the portal.
That’s a significant chunk of Clemson’s defensive core - and it doesn’t stop there. Depth pieces like edge rusher Jahiem Lawson and defensive tackle Amare Adams are also unavailable.
Still, Allen isn’t dwelling on who’s missing. His message has been consistent: focus on who is in the building.
“It’s just part of the situation we find ourselves in,” Allen said. “You focus on the guys that are there.
What a great opportunity for them - all these practices they’ve been able to have and all the reps they’ve been getting. We expect them to step up and play to the standard of our defense.”
That standard is high - and it’ll be tested on December 27, when Clemson (7-5) takes on Penn State (6-6) at Yankee Stadium. Kickoff is set for noon ET on ABC.
Youth Movement on Defense
With so many veterans out, Clemson’s depth chart is getting a serious shake-up. But Allen sees promise in the next wave of talent. Bowl practices have given younger players a chance to earn real reps, and a few names have stood out.
Edge rushers Darien Mayo and Ari Watford have caught Allen’s eye, along with linebackers Kobe McCloud, C.J. Kubah-Taylor, and Fletcher Cothran. In the secondary, Corian Gipson, Branden Strozier, and Jakarrion Kenan are expected to play meaningful snaps.
It’s a trial by fire, no doubt - but Allen believes these reps are invaluable, both for the game and the program’s future.
A Familiar Foe, A Formidable Challenge
Allen’s return to face Penn State adds another layer to this matchup. He served as the Nittany Lions’ defensive coordinator last season, helping guide them to the College Football Playoff semifinals and a top-10 finish in both scoring and total defense. He was even a semifinalist for the Broyles Award, which honors the nation’s top assistant coach.
Now, he’s tasked with stopping a Penn State offense powered by one of the most productive running backs in the country. Kaytron Allen enters the game ranked seventh nationally in rushing yards with 1,303. He’s been on a tear, topping 150 yards and scoring a touchdown in each of his last three games.
Clemson’s run defense has been stout this season - 15th nationally, allowing just 102.8 yards per game - and the Tigers didn’t allow a single 200-yard rushing performance. But that was with a full deck. With so many starters missing, the challenge of containing Kaytron Allen becomes a different animal.
“You better have a plan that’s flexible enough to adapt on game day,” Tom Allen said. “You never know who’s going to play or how much.
The system has to be adaptable. Hopefully, by this stage of the season, you’ve got enough bullets in your arsenal to adjust.”
Rebuilding the Run Defense
When Dabo Swinney hired Allen away from Penn State in January, the priority was clear: fix the run defense. Clemson had slipped to 84th nationally in rushing yards allowed last season, giving up over 160 yards per game and surrendering five 200-yard rushing performances. That wasn’t going to cut it for a program with playoff aspirations.
Allen has made strides in year one, but the Pinstripe Bowl will be a litmus test - not just for the young players stepping in, but for the system as a whole.
Ties That Still Matter
Allen may have only spent a year at Penn State, but the connections remain. He worked under head coach James Franklin, who was dismissed in October and has since taken the job at Virginia Tech. Even with Franklin gone, Allen is familiar with many of the Nittany Lions’ players and staff.
“I was only there for a year but still built some good relationships,” Allen said. “A lot of great people there.”
Looking Back at Indiana, Looking Ahead to the Future
Before his brief stint at Penn State, Allen spent six seasons as Indiana’s head coach, compiling a 33-49 record and earning bowl eligibility three times. After his departure, Curt Cignetti took over and has led the Hoosiers to unprecedented heights - including back-to-back College Football Playoff appearances.
Indiana enters this year’s CFP as the No. 1 seed with a perfect 13-0 record, set to play in the Rose Bowl on January 1.
Allen had nothing but praise for the program’s resurgence.
“Just really, really happy for those guys,” he said. “They’ve chosen to invest in football.
That’s something they needed to do. I said that when I left - they hadn’t done that in the past at the level that was necessary.
It’s been awesome to see them recognize that and be rewarded for it.”
Final Word
Clemson’s Pinstripe Bowl appearance isn’t just another postseason game - it’s a proving ground. With nearly 30 players sidelined, including six defensive starters, the Tigers will lean heavily on youth, depth, and the adaptability of Allen’s system. Against a Penn State squad that can run the ball with power and precision, Clemson’s next generation of defenders will have their moment in the spotlight.
Whether they rise to the occasion could say a lot about where this program is headed in 2026 and beyond.