Well, folks, Penn State football is about to go bowling.

After interim head coach Terry Smith pushed the Nittany Lions to a 6-6 record to become bowl eligible, our staff has some bowl games they want to see the team in.

Alex Wilczynski: Citrus Bowl

Taking on a new and exciting team we don’t usually play could be a great change and break from our usual routine. Imagine sunny Florida, a big crowd of fans, and a fresh matchup full of surprises. It’s the perfect way to end the season with football, and honestly, who wouldn’t want to escape this already freezing winter to go enjoy some beautiful weather somewhere else?

Brian Kriley: Pinstripe Bowl

If I had to pick a realistic bowl game option, I would pick the Pinstripe as the bowl I would most want to see Penn State play in. There’s a good chance we would play Pitt in this game, which we haven’t played since 2019. I think getting a chance to play against our former rivals in Pitt would be the most interesting bowl matchup for Penn State.

Jamie Lynch: Pinstripe Bowl

The best college football team in the world (I’m biased) playing in the stadium home to the best MLB franchise in history (also biased, but factual): does it get any better than that?

I’m a huge Yankee fan. Growing up just 30 minutes from the cathedral of baseball, going to games in the Bronx was an integral part of my childhood. Some of my favorite sports memories have occurred on E 161st Street.

Getting the opportunity to watch the Nittany Lions play in Yankee Stadium would be an amazing ending to a rollercoaster season. I’ve been to over 40 Penn State football games, including two Big Ten Championships, six White Outs, and multiple road contests. But I have yet to attend a bowl game.

If Penn State were to qualify for the Pinstripe Bowl, I would be able to check this box off my bucket list. What makes the situation even better are the potential opponents. If Penn State takes on Clemson, I would be able to go to the game with my best friend, a Clemson student who recently moved down south permanently. And if we play Pitt, well, eat s***.

Cue Sinatra and let’s make it happen.

Jason Perry: Myrtle Beach Bowl

It won’t happen because Penn State is too big a brand to be confined to a stadium that can only seat a fifth of Beaver Stadium, but I want to see the Nittany Lions play on the teal turf at Coastal Carolina.

Oscar Orellana: Pinstripe Bowl

Penn State vs. Pitt at Yankee Stadium. Run it.

Michael Zeno: Pinstripe Bowl

The options, due to the circumstances, appear to be the Pinstripe Bowl, Rate Bowl, and GameAbove Sports Bowl. Normally, they’d stick a generic 6-6 team in the lowest-rated bowl, but Penn State’s notoriety has allowed them to get a slightly more prestigious bowl game in the past (see: 2021 Outback Bowl).

Of those options, the GameAbove Sports Bowl is dead last. In Detroit against a MAC team? No interest. The Rate Bowl in Phoenix against a Big 12 team could be interesting, but I think all Penn State fans will agree that, of the three options, the best is to face an ACC team at Yankee Stadium for the Pinstripe Bowl.

A lot of alumni and students hail from New York and New Jersey, and there’s the possibility of a fun matchup, either brand-wise or history-wise (Clemson, Pitt, and Duke are options). Also, as a Yankee fan, this is just another excuse to go to the House That Jeter Built.  

Michael Siroty: The Bowling Alley

This team could probably use some fun bonding time.

Cooper Cazares: The Championship

The national champ- oh wait