Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) celebrates after defeating South Carolina in an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Scott Kinser)

Penn State

Offense: The Nittany Lions came to life down the stretch but will be without Nick Singleton. If he plays the whole game, look for Kaytron Allen to shred a depleted Clemson defense. In the NIL/tranfer porter era, good luck seeing anyone break Allen’s career rushing record. Ethan Grunkemeyer has not discussed his future much, which makes me think this will be his last game in the blue and white.

Defense: It seems fitting that Jim Knowles’ last game of a disastrous stint as defensive coordinator featured Rutgers obliterating his unit to tune of 36 points and 533 yards. Now, Anthony Poindexter will try and breathe life into the Nits, who will be without several top players (Durant, Wheatley, Harris). Having Amare Campbell, though, certainly helps. Coming off a 14-tackle performance, he needs just four to reach 100 this season.

Special teams: Ryan Barker has enjoyed one of the best seasons in program history, missing one extra point and one field goal in 60 tries. That includes going 4-of-4 FGs between 40-49 yards. Punter Gabe Nwosu finished third in the Big Ten, averaging 46.1 yards per kick. Not having Singleton on kick returns could hurt. Look for Trebor Pena to try and make some big plays on punt returner.

Coaching/intangibles: Terry Smith should be commended for the job he has done on an interim basis, but PSU made right call going outside and hiring Matt Campbell. Bringing Smith back as an assistant, however, is a smart move. If this is Andy Kotelnicki’s last game, what is the over/under on unnecessary trick plays that backfire? I’ll say 3.5 and take the over.

Clemson

Offense: Cade Klubnik entered the season as a Heisman front runner, but he’s been rather pedestrian, similar to the also-hyped Drew Allar before his injury. He could be betting on himself to boost his draft stock after throwing 20 fewer touchdowns and 689 fewer yards than last year. This offense will be depleted outside of Klubnik, with seven starters missing because of injuries or opt-outs.

Defense: And if you think Clemson is hurting on offense, that’s nothing. In addition to missing projected first-round selections Peter Woods up front and Aveion Woods at corner, Tigers will be without 14 scholarship players, severely hindering their depth. Seven starters are out for a unit which did not let an opponent reach 20 points during a season-ending four game winning streak.

Special teams: Kicker Nolan Hauser has improved following a so-so 2024 campaign, making 16-of-19 field goal tries and all 37 extra-point kicks. Hauser has a big leg and is 8-of-10 beyond 40 yards. Punter Jack Smith has been average in terms of yardage per kick (42.1 yards) but makes up for it with his accuracy and ability to help the defense, placing 22-of-45 punts inside the 20.

Coaching/intangibles: A few years ago, it appeared Clemson might be on the verge of building a Dabo Swinney statue. These days, many Tigers fans have grown restless with his over-hyped preseason teams falling short. A two-time national champion last decade, Clemson has faded since its last appearance in 2019. This year, Tigers and PSU fought to see who could have the more disappointing season. PSU won by a hair.

Masse’s record: 10-2

Prediction: These bowl games seem pointless anymore. To be honest, without a playoff in the past, I always leaned that way because it’s not about who’s playing but who isn’t playing. Clemson offers a perfect example. If these teams were full strength, I think Clemson wins by 10-14 points. But with a varsity QB surrounded by mostly JV players, PSU is an easy pick. PSU 28, Clemson 17