Quick Read
- Clemson is favored by 2.5–3.5 points in the Pinstripe Bowl.
- Both teams face major roster losses due to opt-outs and injuries.
- Clemson QB Cade Klubnik plays his final college game; Penn State has interim staff and backup QB.
- Game kicks off December 27, 2025, at Yankee Stadium, broadcast on ABC.
- Weather conditions expected to be cold and windy, potentially impacting gameplay.
The Pinstripe Bowl in 2025 brings together two college football programs that began the season with high hopes but are now seeking redemption in the Bronx. Penn State and Clemson, both accustomed to top-tier bowl games, arrive at Yankee Stadium as teams dealing with disappointment and transition, their rosters thinned by opt-outs, injuries, and NFL Draft declarations.
For Penn State, the narrative is one of upheaval. The Nittany Lions parted ways with their coach midseason, leaving interim Terry Smith to guide a squad rife with uncertainty. The program is relying on young, untested talent after a significant wave of opt-outs, especially on the offensive line. Nick Dawkins and Nolan Rucci are among those who won’t suit up, forcing freshmen like Cooper Cousins and T.J. Shanahan into crucial roles. Starting linebacker Alex Tatsch is sidelined due to injury, and the quarterback room remains unsettled following Drew Allar’s injury. Running back Nicholas Singleton and defensive tackle Zane Durant are also sitting out, adding to the challenge.
Clemson, under the steady hand of Dabo Swinney, faces its own set of obstacles. The Tigers will be without 27 scholarship players, including seven starters, due to a mix of injuries and NFL ambitions. Still, Swinney’s track record in bowl games is impressive: Clemson has won 14 consecutive bowls and is 5-1 in its last six non-playoff appearances, according to CBS Sports. Quarterback Cade Klubnik, playing his final college game, will be the centerpiece of the Tigers’ offense. Klubnik closes his career with 73 touchdown passes and nearly 10,000 passing yards, ranking among the program’s most prolific QBs.
Looking at the numbers, bookmakers have Clemson favored by 2.5 to 3.5 points, with the over/under hovering around 47.5, per DraftKings and Covers. Why the slight edge? Stability. While Clemson isn’t untouched by departures, the Tigers retain more of their core and have a more defined leadership structure. Penn State, meanwhile, is a team in flux — interim staff, a backup quarterback, and a patchwork offensive line. These factors typically manifest in game management, from protection calls to red zone efficiency.
Weather could also play a role. The forecast calls for mostly cloudy skies and 33°F with wind gusts up to 17 mph, plus a winter storm warning until 1 p.m. Such conditions may favor a conservative, ground-heavy approach, likely benefiting Penn State’s remaining backs and Clemson’s run defense. However, with both teams missing key interior defenders, the run game might be less predictable than usual.
Motivation is always a wild card in bowl games, especially for teams whose seasons fell short of expectations. Both sides have reasons to finish strong: Penn State hopes to honor Terry Smith’s final game, while Clemson aims to extend its bowl streak and send Klubnik off on a high note. The history between these teams is limited — their only previous meeting came in the 1988 Florida Citrus Bowl, where Clemson dominated 35-10.
Expert predictions are split. Covers leans toward Clemson, citing their cultural consistency and Swinney’s bowl pedigree. They expect the Tigers’ passing game, which ranks in the 75th percentile nationally for success rate, to exploit Penn State’s vulnerable run defense and manage the tempo. CBS Sports highlights Penn State’s ground game and suggests that, if Kaytron Allen is available, the Nittany Lions could keep things close, especially given Clemson’s depleted defensive line.
Ultimately, the matchup is defined by instability: both teams are missing major contributors, and neither enters with their full arsenal. The edge goes to Clemson, but only slightly, thanks to experience at quarterback, fewer coaching changes, and a history of bowl game excellence. That said, Penn State’s youth movement could surprise if the new starters gel quickly and the weather levels the playing field.
The Pinstripe Bowl may not be the stage these programs envisioned, but for players and coaches alike, it’s a chance to salvage pride and set the tone for the future. Fans should expect a gritty, unpredictable contest — one where the finer details, from snap counts to sideline adjustments, could swing the outcome.
While Clemson is favored due to greater roster continuity and bowl experience, Penn State’s ground game and motivation make this matchup closer than the odds suggest. The game will likely hinge on which team adapts best to the cold, the opt-outs, and the unfamiliar setting — offering a fitting, if bittersweet, conclusion to two challenging seasons. (Sources: Onward State, Covers, CBS Sports)