Pinstripe Bowl Preview Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Clemson Tigers

Attrition vs. Experience — Depth Tested in the Bronx

The Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium brings together two programs that began the season with College Football Playoff expectations, only to arrive in New York navigating massive roster turnover. Penn State, now under interim head coach Terry Smith following James Franklin’s midseason departure to Virginia Tech, looks to close a turbulent 6–6 campaign with momentum heading into the Matt Campbell era.

Across the field, Clemson enters at 7–5 riding a four-game winning streak, but the Tigers face unprecedented attrition, missing nearly a third of their scholarship roster. This matchup becomes a test of organizational discipline, quarterback experience, and which program can survive December chaos.

Game Information

Matchup Penn State (6–6) vs. Clemson (7–5) Date Saturday, December 27, 2025 Time 12:00 PM ET Location Yankee Stadium — Bronx, NY TV ABC

Roster Impact & Portal Movement

Clemson Tigers — Extreme Attrition, Veteran Leadership

Clemson’s roster situation is historic. The Tigers will be without 26 scholarship players, including multiple defensive stars.

NFL Opt-Outs:

• DT Peter Woods

• DE T.J. Parker

• DT DeMonte Capehart

• CB Avieon Terrell

Transfer Portal: Five players, including standout safety Khalil Barnes, have departed.

Injuries: Seventeen players are sidelined, including linebacker Wade Woodaz and starting left guard Collin Sadler.

The saving grace is quarterback Cade Klubnik (2,750 yards, 16 TDs), who has confirmed he will play his final collegiate game to help stabilize a dramatically thinned lineup.

Penn State Nittany Lions — Transition Mode

Penn State is also navigating change, though on a smaller scale.

NFL Opt-Outs:

• RB Nick Singleton

• DT Zane Durant

• S Zakee Wheatley

• OG Vega Ioane

Transfer Portal: Cornerback Elliot Washington II and freshman standout Chaz Coleman are no longer with the team.

At quarterback, Ethan Grunkemeyer takes over with Drew Allar out injured. The redshirt freshman threw for 1,079 yards over the final six games and enters the bowl game effectively auditioning for the future under Campbell.

Matchup Breakdown

Clemson Identity

Despite attrition, Clemson finished strong. Klubnik’s leadership has steadied the offense, even with Antonio Williams out, forcing Tyler Brown and Adam Randall into expanded roles.

Defensively, coordinator Tom Allen is forced to rebuild on the fly, elevating Stephiylan Green and Cade Denhoff into starting positions along the line.

Penn State Blueprint

Penn State leans on physicality and the run game. With Singleton opting out, Kaytron Allen (1,303 yards, 15 TDs) becomes the clear focal point. Expect Penn State to shorten the game, protect Grunkemeyer, and test Clemson’s depleted front.

Interim coach Terry Smith has emphasized buy-in and effort, creating a young but motivated roster.

Key Players to Watch

• Cade Klubnik (CLEM, QB) — Veteran starter playing his final collegiate game.

• Kaytron Allen (PSU, RB) — Bell-cow back with Singleton out.

• Tyler Brown (CLEM, WR) — Moves into the WR1 role.

• Ethan Grunkemeyer (PSU, QB) — 69.4% completion rate; future audition.

⭐ Top 4 Prop Bets

Kaytron Allen Over Rushing Yards

With Penn State committed to protecting a young quarterback, Allen should see heavy volume against a Clemson front missing multiple starters.

BetMGM

4.5/5

Tip: Kaytron Allen over rushing yards

• Bell-cow workload
• Clemson DL attrition
• Clock-control game plan

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Cade Klubnik Over Passing Yards

Even with limited weapons, Clemson will lean on Klubnik’s experience. Penn State’s secondary losses create opportunities for consistent production.

FanDuel

4.6/5

Tip: Cade Klubnik over passing yards

• Veteran QB
• High usage
• Penn State defensive turnover

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Game Total Under 48.5 Points

Cold conditions, roster turnover, and run-heavy scripts point toward a slower, grind-it-out game at Yankee Stadium.

Caesars

4.4/5

Tip: Game total under 48.5

• Cold-weather environment
• Roster attrition
• Conservative play-calling

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Clemson -3.5 (Spread)

Despite the absences, Clemson’s quarterback experience and late-season momentum provide a narrow edge over a Penn State team still finding its identity.

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Clemson -3.5

• QB experience edge
• Four-game win streak
• Penn State transition phase

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Odds Snapshot

• Spread: Clemson -3.5

• Over/Under: 48.5

Final Prediction

Penn State’s run game keeps this competitive, but Clemson’s quarterback stability and postseason poise prove decisive in a tight fourth quarter.

Final Score: Clemson 27, Penn State 23