As the 2025 college football bowl season approaches, a matchup between Penn State and Clemson has become an unexpected reality in the Pinstripe Bowl. Once anticipated as a showdown between national title contenders, this game reflects the stark reality both programs faced during a season of disappointment, each accumulating 11 losses—an astonishing tally considering the expectations set in August.
Entering the postseason, both teams will not be at full strength. Penn State grapples with a coaching transition, as interim head coach Terry Smith prepares the team while newly appointed Matt Campbell concentrates on future developments. Meanwhile, Clemson faces a significant depth challenge, as head coach Dabo Swinney disclosed that 27 scholarship players, including seven starters from both offense and defense, will miss the game due to injuries and NFL Draft opt-outs.
On the field, motivation will be crucial for both squads. For Clemson, quarterback Cade Klubnik is set to make his final appearance, looking to cap his career on a high note. Klubnik has etched his name in Clemson’s history books with a 26-13 record, and he ranks fourth in program history with 73 touchdown passes and nearly 10,000 passing yards.
Defensive strategies will also shift for both teams. With former defensive coordinator Jim Knowles now at Tennessee, Penn State’s safeties coach Anthony Poindexter will step in to call the defensive plays. Conversely, Clemson’s continuity in its defensive structure remains intact, as Tom Allen, who previously worked with Penn State, assumes the role of defensive coordinator for the Tigers.
In addition to absent players, the Nittany Lions will miss key contributors like defensive tackle Zane Durant, safety Zakee Wheatley, running back Nicholas Singleton, and offensive lineman Vega Ioane due to opt-outs.
The bowl game will take place at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York, on December 27 at noon ET, broadcasted live on ABC and available for streaming on Fubo. Given the complexities of bowl games and the uncertain conditions, predictions remain challenging, but history suggests that Clemson generally performs well outside of the College Football Playoff context. With forecasts pointing to potential icy conditions, Penn State could lean on their running game to exploit vulnerabilities in a shorthanded Clemson defense.
These teams will aim to leave their disappointing seasons behind and make a mark in what is set to be an intriguing clash in New York.