With one more game left on the calendar, Penn State football is looking to close the book on a frustrating 2025 season. The Nittany Lions head into Saturday’s Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium with a chance to end the year on a high note-and maybe begin writing the first chapter of a new era in Happy Valley.
Standing in their way? Clemson. A program that’s had its own share of ups and downs this season, but still carries the pedigree of a team that knows how to win in December.
This will be Penn State’s 57th postseason appearance, as they chase bowl win No. 34.
It’s also just their second trip to the Pinstripe Bowl-the last time they played in this Bronx-based bowl game, they edged Boston College in a 31-30 overtime thriller back in 2014. That game marked the beginning of the James Franklin era.
Now, with Franklin out and Matt Campbell waiting in the wings, interim head coach Terry Smith steps in for one final audition as the Nittany Lions look to reset their identity.
A Clash of Preseason Heavyweights
It might not be the New Year’s Six matchup fans dreamed of when the season kicked off, but make no mistake-this game still carries weight. Back in August, these two teams were both ranked inside the top four of the AP Top 25. Now, they’re both trying to salvage momentum heading into 2026.
Game Details - Penn State vs. Clemson
- Date: Saturday, Dec. 27
- Time: 12:00 p.m. ET
- Location: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY
- TV: ABC
- Streaming: Peacock, fuboTV
- Penn State Record: 6-6
- Clemson Record: 7-5
The Line: Clemson Slight Favorites
According to FanDuel Sportsbook, Clemson enters as a 3.5-point favorite. The Tigers are listed at -154 on the moneyline, while Penn State sits at +130. The over/under is set at 48.5, and with both teams dealing with significant roster turnover, bettors may be eyeing that total carefully.
Key Opt-Outs and Roster Movement
This game will look very different from what we might’ve expected just a few weeks ago. Both teams are dealing with a wave of opt-outs, portal entries, and injuries-welcome to bowl season in the transfer portal era.
Penn State Notables:
- RB Nicholas Singleton, DL Zane Durant, and G Vega Ioane are among those declaring for the NFL Draft.
- Several defensive backs, including A.J. Harris and Elliot Washington II, have entered the portal.
- S Zakee Wheatley and DE Chaz Coleman are also out as they prepare for the next step.
Clemson’s Attrition is Even Deeper:
- The Tigers will be without a host of defensive talent, including DL Peter Woods, **T.J.
Parker**, and DeMonte Capehart, all of whom declared for the draft.
- Injuries have decimated their depth chart, especially on the defensive line and offensive front.
Clemson will be without at least a dozen players due to injury, including RB Jarvis Green, WR Antonio Williams, and OL Walker Parks.
- The linebacker corps is also thin, with Jamal Anderson, Dee Crayton, and Wade Woodaz all unavailable.
In short, this won’t be the Clemson team that opened the season with CFP aspirations. And Penn State is hardly at full strength either. That sets the stage for a game that will test depth, coaching adaptability, and maybe even a few freshmen thrown into the fire.
Series History
These two programs have met only once before-back in the 1988 Citrus Bowl, when Clemson rolled to a 35-10 win. Since then, they’ve walked very different paths, but both have built reputations as perennial contenders in their respective conferences.
Penn State holds a 5-3-2 record in bowl games against ACC opponents. Clemson, meanwhile, is 7-3 against Big Ten teams in the postseason. So while the matchup is rare, both sides are no strangers to this kind of inter-conference clash.
Broadcast Team and Weather Outlook
ABC will carry the game, with kickoff set for noon Eastern in the heart of the Bronx. And yes, it’s going to feel like late December in New York.
The forecast calls for a high of 34 degrees with snow and drizzle expected earlier in the day. By kickoff, it should be cloudy and cold, with wind gusts reaching up to 17 mph. The area is under a winter storm watch until early Saturday afternoon, which could impact field conditions-especially for two teams already dealing with depleted rosters.
What to Watch For
This game is less about rankings or playoff implications and more about trajectory. For Penn State, it’s a chance to see how the program responds under interim leadership with Matt Campbell observing from the sideline. For Clemson, it’s about finishing strong despite a bruised and battered lineup.
Expect a gritty, unpredictable matchup. With so many key players out, this could come down to which team gets the most out of its young talent, and which coaching staff adapts best on the fly. Bowl games like this often turn into showcases for the next wave of stars-and with the weather adding another layer of unpredictability, this one has all the ingredients for a wild ride in the Bronx.