Penn State vs. Clemson Prediction, Odds & Picks: Pinstripe Bowl Picks & Best Bets for Dec. 27

• Both teams lost a slew of players to opt-outs and the transfer portal

• Penn State closed the year on a three-game winning streak

• Clemson took down Florida State, No. 20 Louisville, and South Carolina in three of its last four games

The Penn State Nittany Lions will meet the Clemson Tigers in a matchup that, one year ago, would’ve been in the College Football Playoff, but is instead in the Pinstripe Bowl.

Penn State’s mid-year slump led to the unexpected dismissal of longtime coach James Franklin. While the team rebounded under interim coach Terry Smith and landed its permanent replacement in Matt Campbell, it still lost a large chunk of its production to opt-outs or the portal.

On the other side, Clemson capped off a disappointing season with a few nice results. This team is still an overwhelming disappointment due to the talent they squandered, but they finished the year playing quality football.

Here, I will break down what's left of Penn State vs. Clemson as they prepare to meet in the Pinstripe Bowl on Saturday.

Penn State vs. Clemson Odds

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Penn State vs. Clemson My Pick

• My Pick: Clemson -3 (-110) at BetMGM Sportsbook

It’s tough to call any college football postseason matchup these days because of all the opt-outs and players entering the portal. With that said, Clemson had more talent than Penn State, logged better wins, and has more continuity and general togetherness on their roster. I think they can take down a Penn State team that lost most of its key players and doesn’t know what next year holds.

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Penn State vs. Clemson Prediction

Penn State Preview

Penn State will head into the postseason with freshman quarterback Ethan Grunkmeyer under center. The Lewis Center, Ohio native tallied 1,079 yards, six touchdowns, and four interceptions in six games of heavy use, going 3-3 in those games.

Nicholas Singleton won’t be available in the backfield following his decision to opt out. However, his teammate and fellow backfield committee member, Kaytron Allen, is available.

Allen averaged 6.2 yards per carry and racked up 1,303 yards and 15 touchdowns during his senior campaign. That included a three-game stretch at the end of the year, during which he ran for 181, 160, and 226 yards for five total touchdowns against Michigan State, Nebraska, and Rutgers.

The Penn State defense finished the year ranked 47th in EPA allowed per play, exactly two slots below the Clemson defense. They’ll find it hard to live up to even that standard without Chaz Coleman, A.J. Harris, and other important players hoe not available for this matchup.

One disadvantage the Nittany Lions are also working to overcome is the lack of clarity for many players on the roster. While some will be playing for their spots on the team next year, others will undoubtedly be clouded by the knowledge that a new coach will soon take over their program and could force them to find a new home.

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Clemson Preview

Entering the year, Clemson was viewed as a team that had five first-round draft picks on its roster, and was one of the most talented teams in the country. 

Fast forward to the end of the year, and they’re still talented, but not nearly to the level that was believed. They are also flawed and didn’t receive great production from the quarterback position like they were expecting.

As mentioned, the Tigers’ defense was 45th in EPA allowed per play. For context, that put them two spots below Washington State and three above Northwestern. It’s tough to see them taking over the Pinstripe Bowl without their top defenders, Peter Woods, T.J. Parker, and Aveion Terrell, all of whom opted out.

On a more positive note, the Tigers will have starting quarterback Cade Klubnik available to lead them into action on Saturday. The Texan senior only had 16 touchdowns and six interceptions, but has had postseason success, most notably in last year’s CFP first-round matchup with Texas.

Another factor working in the Tigers’ favor is the continuity at the head coaching position. Dabo Swinney is returning next year and should still have buy-in from many of his players, even if this season didn’t go as planned.

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Penn State vs. Clemson Best Promos and Sportsbooks

All of the top online sportsbooks are offering a variety of betting markets for the Penn State vs. Clemson Pinstripe Bowl showdown.

While the odds might be similar or even match, each sportsbook offers something unique to its users. So, always cross-reference odds and offers across multiple sports betting sites to find the best deal for your bet of choice.

Find the latest sportsbook promos and bonuses in our table below.

*21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. This promotional offer is not available in DC, MS, NY, NV, ON, or PR.

Penn State vs. Clemson Injury Report

Penn State

• LB Alex Tatsch - Out

• DE Zuriah Fisher - Out (not with program)

• S Zakee Wheatley - Out (opt-out)

• CB A.J. Harris - Out (transfer portal)

• CB Elliot Washington - Out (transfer portal)

• EDGE Chaz Coleman - Out (transfer portal)

• RB Nick Singleton - Out (opt-out)

Clemson

• CB Avieon Terrell - Out (opt-out)

• EDGE T.J. Parker - Out (opt-out)

• DT Peter Woods - Out (opt-out)

• DT DeMonte Capehart - Out (opt-out)

• LB Wade Woodaz - Out

• S Khalil Barnes - Out (transfer portal)

• EDGE Jahiem Lawson - Out

• DT Amare Adams - Out

• WR Antonio Williams - Out

How to Watch Penn State vs. Clemson

• When: Saturday, Dec. 27 @ 12:00 p.m. ET

• Where: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY

• How to Watch: ABC