Penn State football grades vs Clemson in Pinstripe Bowl: Report card

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NEW YORK CITY − It would become a day of survival for Penn State football.

A makeshift offense and defense filled with young backups.

A frozen Yankee Stadium field with wind chills in the teens.

First downs and yards would be tough as ever to come by − at least early on − for quarterbacks working with patched-together offensive lines and inexperienced runners and receivers − and no superstar Kaytron Allen.

It would come down to the simplest factors in Saturday’s Pinstripe Bowl against the Clemson Tigers: Who would make the least amount of glaring mistakes?

Well, two Clemson defenders whiffed on a fourth-quarter tackle, springing Trebor Pena on a breaking, 73-yard touchdown.

That really all was needed to lock away victory on a day like this one.

Here’s the grades from the 22-10 victory that gives the Lions a winning record (7-6) on the final day of the 2025 season:

Offense: B+

Ethan Grunkemeyer (23-of-34 passing, 262 yards, two TDs) and redshirt freshman running back Quinton Martin got better as it went − as the Lions piled up numbers in the second half.

What a day for Martin, who ran the ball for the first time all season with instincts and increasing power (20 carries, 101 yards) to keep the Lions on the Clemson end of the field for most of the day.

Even more for Pena, the senior transfer, who was good for five catches, 100 yards and that winning touchdown. Resilient effort, too, for senior Devonte Ross who overcame three drops to make eight catches for 84 yards.

Defense: A-

Superb showing for a group missing so many key performers. Kudos to Dani Dennis-Sutton (4 tackles, 2 sacks) for playing most of the game and leading a steady pressure assault up front.

Rookie Daryus Dixson and sophomore Dejuan Lane continued to grow at defensive back − they’re going to be studs if they stay for 2026.

Special teams: B

A day to shine for punter Gabe Nwosu, who averaged 45 yards on his three early punts and kept field position in Penn State’s favor. A steady effort everywhere else.

Coaching: B+

One more impressive showing of togetherness and unity led by interim head coach Terry Smith.

It wasn’t clean all around, but young players stepped up when needed in big, first-time roles. Just enough creativity on offense, and the defense was particularly dialed-in throughout without breakdowns.

Overall: A-

The Lions gave about everything expected while missing more than 30 players.

What a mix of veterans and young, potential stars to provide victory and a solid foundation heading into 2026. Guys like Grunkemeyer and Martin and Dixson emphatically proved their value as next-season leaders with sterling efforts.

Frank Bodani covers Penn State football for the York Daily Record and USA Today Network. Contact him at  fbodani@ydr.com and follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @YDRPennState.

This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: Penn State football grades vs Clemson in Pinstripe Bowl: Our report card

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