The season finale is here, folks.

It was one of the most disappointing seasons in recent memory as the Nittany Lions went from national championship favorites to having their entire program dismantled within a few months.

Penn State started 3-0, but things went awry when it lost its anticipated White Out game against the Oregon Ducks. The Nittany Lions would lose their next five games straight, see its startign quarterback suffer a season-ending injury, and their longtime head coach get booted out of a job.

In comes Terry Smith. The longtime assistant coach and alumnus of the football program rallied the troops towards the end to salvage its final three games and secure a bowl game appearance. Although it’s not the national championship, the Nittany Lions are in similar company as they face the once highly ranked Clemson Tigers in Yankee Stadium.

Cadyn Gill (10-2): Clemson 23, Penn State 17

The absence of star players across the board makes this game impossible to analyze and confidently predict, so I look toward the QB matchup, which favors Clemson. While Cade Klubnik isn’t who the mainstream media tried to sell, he found his groove towards the end of the regular season and is a more talented signal-caller than Ethan Grunkemeyer. I think Clemson will find comfort in having their guy out there. It’s a bummer that draft declarations and transfer portal announcements have ruined what would have been a great game. Oh well.

Michael Zeno (9-3): Penn State 27, Clemson 24

The only bowl game I ever want to see Penn State play in that isn’t included in the College Football Playoff is the Pinstripe Bowl. It’s a nice consolation prize for a large number of Penn State & Yankee fans, even if the weather will be frigid. Seeing Ethan Grunkemeyer walk the same grounds as Derek Jeter and Aaron Judge will give me chills.

Penn State’s already shaky defense is going to be tested in this one. Despite an underwhelming collegiate career, Cade Klubnik has his moments, and Penn State will be without Elliott Washington, Chaz Coleman, Zane Durant, Zakee Wheatley, and Alex Tatsch due to injuries, the draft, and the portal. The offense will be without Nick Singleton, but should benefit from two of Clemson’s best defenders opting out as well.

Penn State hasn’t lost in New York since 1929. They’re not losing this time. One more time for Terry.

Jamie Lynch (6-6): Penn State 33, Clemson 30

It all comes down to this. Christmastime football in the Bronx. Does it get any better than that?

With opt-outs, injuries, and transfers aplenty for both sides, this game is difficult to predict. However, I do believe Penn State has the slight edge when it comes to who will, or won’t, be suiting up. Despite the absence of a few key Nittany Lions, I look forward to seeing the younger guys step in and take advantage of their moment in the limelight. Hopefully, we’ll get to see Kaytron Allen shine one last time in a Penn State uniform.

Bowl games are weird, but bowl games are fun. I expect this game to be tight and high scoring, with Ryan Barker drilling the game-winning field goal, flashing shades of Sam Ficken. The James Franklin era began with a victory in the Pinstripe Bowl, and it will end in similar fashion with Terry Smith leading the charge. I also think at the end of the day, the Big Ten will continue to prove itself to be tougher and more physical than the ACC.

It is often said that the ghosts of Yankee legends inhabit the halls of baseball’s cathedral. On Saturday, those very ghosts will be there to help their blue and white brethren pull off a victory.

Brandon Collica (6-0): Penn State 20, Clemson 17

Penn State gets a big bowl win to welcome the Matt Campbell era.

Jason Perry (5-3): Penn State 34, Clemson 31

Both of these teams are coming off disappointing regular seasons, but the Pinstripe Bowl is a chance to end the year on a high note. A strong finish to 2025 will give the Nittany Lions good momentum heading into next season. It won’t be easy, but Penn State can definitely come away with a win on Saturday.

Karlee Feger (4-1): Penn State 28, Clemson 21

I think this will be a close matchup due to players opting out of the game. I believe Penn State is determined to end on a high note this season as they prepare for next season under Coach Campbell. This game will come down to the little details and a strong defensive showing.

Sammy Layman (0-1): Penn State 27, Clemson 23

This isn’t even a question. Penn State can only go up from here, and they have a strong senior class ready to show out. These seniors have been through every stage of Penn State football, the highs and lows, and now they get one last stage to play on. Clemson is solid, but Penn State is hungrier and playing with something to prove.

Oscar Orellana (6-6): Penn State 31, Clemson 24

I just hope Grunk has fun.

Cooper Cazares (6-6): Penn State 28, Clemson 21

The rollercoaster is over, folks. You may rest now. The Nits get one more for Terry and the boys.