The Lions clinched a bowl berth against Rutgers in their final game of the season and now face another underachieving team, the Clemson Tigers, in the Pinstripe Bowl. What do staff think of this outcome?
Lando
This will be a battle between two teams lacking impact players. The phrase “who wants it more” has never been more relevant. It’s not good for the Nittany Lions that Cade Klubnik is playing (unlike 27 of his teammates), but it seems like Kaytron Allen, along with many other offensive and defensive starters, will suit up for Penn State. I know most people who follow the Blue and White are already looking forward to 2026, but since this game is on my son’s first birthday, I had to choose his new favorite team.
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Penn State 24, Clemson 21
chris
Penn State hasn’t had as many players opt out as I expected, although some key players are missing and a few additional players are injured. Still, Clemson appears to be hit much harder personnel-wise than Penn State, which will help PSU win. Instead, the Lions are dealing with an interim/transition coaching staff while the Tigers have Dabo and his staff in place, so they fall in the Clemson column. The weather will likely be colder than what Clemson is used to, but a late-December “heat wave” could make all that moot. So, yes, the analysis here is pretty solid and groundbreaking. I think ultimately, I want Penn State to win, so I’ll go with that.
Penn State 27, Clemson 17
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tim
It appears both teams will have their own opt-outs, whether it’s players reserving their bodies for the NFL Draft or players entering the transfer portal. I realize Kaitlen Allen hasn’t announced anything yet and will most likely be suiting up, but I’d be shocked if he got more than a series or two because he has absolutely nothing to accomplish or prove. Even without Allen or Nicholas Singleton (who has already announced his opt-out), PSU has a decent group of backup running backs in Corey Smith, Cam Wallace and Quinton Martin who could use this opportunity to shine for Matt Campbell’s staff. Not having the likes of Zane Durant, Zachy Whitley and AJ Harris certainly doesn’t help the defense, especially if Cade Klubnik plays quarterback the entire game at Clemson.
That being said, I don’t know how to predict this, so I think I’m going to err on the home run side and pick Penn State to go for a field goal, similar to how they won the only time they played a football game at Yankee Stadium.
Penn State 23, Clemson 20
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Jared
(First seen in game preview)
How do you predict a game with so many new faces in both squads? There are so many unknowns and many players are seeing big time for the first time this season. There’s enough attrition on both sides to impact the game plan, and you just don’t know if either side will be able to establish a running game, or get a pass rush as consistent as you can rely on at full strength.
I’m expecting high-scoring games with two talented quarterbacks and a ton of skill players, while both teams will be missing several key players on defense. With so much uncertainty, I’m going to take an optimistic approach and pick the Nittany Lions to end a frustrating season on a high note. Grunmeeyer continued to improve with his best game to date, and Andrew Rappleyea earned the game MVP with 120 receiving yards and a touchdown.
Penn State 38, Clemson 34
