Penn State vs Clemson Prediction, Opt-Outs, Spread & Picks – Pinstripe Bowl

• Clemson is a 2.5-point favorite over Penn State in the Pinstripe Bowl
• Both teams rosters have been hit hard by opt outs
• See my Penn State vs Clemson prediction and picks, plus opt outs and the latest spread for the Pinstripe Bowl

It used to be unheard of for a player to voluntarily remove themselves from a Bowl Game. Nowadays, it’s so common nobody even bats an eye. Opt outs are the theme ahead of the Penn State (6-6) vs Clemson (7-5) matchup in the Pinstripe Bowl, as both teams are missing a plethora of key starters.

Online sportsbooks believe the Tigers are better suited to handle these losses, as they’ve been pegged favorites in the latest college football odds.

The action is set for 12 pm ET from Yankee Stadium, in the Bronx, NY, with ABC providing the broadcast coverage.

Here are my Penn State vs Clemson prediction and picks, plus opt outs and the latest spread for the Pinstripe Bowl.

Penn State vs Clemson Prediction

With so many key players sitting this game out, it’s hard to give too much credence to their season-long metrics. We’ll get to the names missing below, but suffice to say, they’re some of the most impactful players on both sides of the ball.

One certainty we do know, is who will be under center for both squads. Preseason Heisman Trophy contender Cade Klubnik will quarterback the Tigers, and his presence should help keep the Clemson offense on track. Klubnik is fresh off the worst statistical season of his career, but he did turn things around down the stretch.

The senior led the Tigers to four straight victories, accounting for 5 total TD and just one turnover. He’ll have starting running back Adam Randall to hand off to, who ended his campaign with two 100+ rushing days in his last three starts.

Klubnik will be missing a pair of receivers, but will have T.J. Moore running routes. Moore led Clemson in receiving yards this season, while finishing second in yards per reception and catches.

Cade Klubnik Stats – 2025

On the other side of the ball, the Tigers defense will be without plenty of key names, but they should still be able to stymie the Nittany Lions.

Ethan Grunkemeyer will command the offense once more, after taking over for the injured Drew Allar midway through the year. Grunkeymeyer posted an impressive 69% completion percentage, but is turnover prone and takes far too many sacks.

The freshman was sacked nearly twice as many times as Allar in 15 fewer dropbacks, and had more turnover worthy plays than big time throws as a starter. He also struggles badly under pressure, which is a major issue given the status of the Penn State offensive line. Four of their five starting lineman won’t suit up on Saturday, meaning Grunkeymeyer is likely going to be under duress all day.

Ultimately, I’ll take the better QB and the team with the more stable coaching situation. Dabo Swinney is a fixture on the Clemson sideline, and is looking for a 13th Bowl victory. On the Nittany Lions side, Terry Smith is in charge on an interim basis, but they’ve already hired his replacement.

To make matters worse, Penn State lost their co-offensive coordinator to Virginia, while their DC bolted for Tennessee.

Penn State vs Clemson Opt Outs

Onto the laundry list of names showing up in the college football opt outs tracker. Let’s start with the Nittany Lions. In addition to four starting linemen, they’ll also be without RB Nicholas Singleton, and three defensive players. That’s on top of the three players ruled out due to injury, headlined by Allar.

As for Clemson, number one wideout Antonio Williams is sitting out to prepare for the NFL Draft. Ditto for four of the their top defensive starters, including defensive tackle Peter Woods and corner Avieon Terrell, who both project as 1st round picks. All in all, the Tigers will be without seven of their top 12 defenders in terms of snap count, and five of their top 12 on offense.

Penn State vs Clemson Spread

The best place to bet Clemson against the spread is over at Bet365. They’re offering the Tigers -2.5 at -115 odds, which are the best odds in market.

If you like the other side, I’d wait. The spread was stuck at Clemson -3 all week, and could easily get back there based on the way the game is currently being bet.

BET365
SPORTSBOOK

Offer

T&Cs

Bet $5 & Get $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose or a First Bet Safety Net Up to $1,000!

Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 of greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply. RG Line: GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL OR TEXT 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ/CO/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). 21+ only (18+ KY). Must be present in AZ/CO/IA/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA (select parishes)/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA

LOCK IN PROMO

CODE: DIME365

CODE: DIME365

SIGNUP PROMO

BET $5
GET $150

WIN OR LOSE!

CLAIM OFFER

Odds as of Dec. 27 at consensus college football betting apps. Make sure you claim the Bet365 promo code to bet on College Football Bowl Games.

Per the college football public betting trends, the Tigers are drawing 54% of the spread tickets and 55% of the handle. They closed the season by covering in three of their final four games, and were 3-0 ATS this season when the spread was under 3 points in either direction.