Clemson Heads to Bright Lights of New York and the Pinstripe Bowl

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In what we’ve decided to call the “Disappointment Bowl,” Clemson is heading north to New York City for the Pinstripe Bowl. Their opponent, the Penn State Nittany Lions. Both teams started the season in the top 5, Clemson at #4 and Penn State at #2, and both endured a bit of an implosion, falling out of the Top 25 all together. The Pinstripe Bowl will happen on December 27th with a noon kickoff on ABC.

After a mid-season wreck, Penn State decided to fire James Franklin and appeared to have a rudderless head coaching search until hiring Matt Campbell from Iowa State earlier this week. However interim head coach Terry Smith will remain in his role for the bowl game, likely to allow Campbell and his new staff to focus on recruiting, something the Nittany Lions really need.

This is Clemson’s first trip to the Pinstripe Bowl and Penn State’s second. It will also be the second meeting between the Tigers, with the first occurring back in 1988 when the Tigers won 35-10 in the Citrus Bowl.

Of course the big question for both teams will be who opts out. With the Transfer Portal not opening until January, this is an opportunity for players to either showcase their ability one last time, or punch out early to ensure they remain healthy. Tigers fans will also be curious to see what, if any, staff changes occur before the game. There is already a rumor that current co-DC and safeties coach Mickey Conn will be heading to Samford as the new DC, and if other coaches are pursuing new opportunities it would make sense they leave before the bowl game.

We’ll have more on the Clemson – Penn State match up in the next 3 weeks as we get ready for the end to what has been “a” season.

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