Penn State Faces Challenges with 16 Players Out for Pinstripe Bowl

Penn State will enter the Pinstripe Bowl against Clemson on December 30, 2023, without 16 players, including four starters from the offensive line. Interim head coach Terry Smith announced this significant roster challenge on Friday, highlighting the impact of draft-eligible players opting out and others leaving the program to transfer.

This situation intensifies as the game kicks off at noon local time at Yankee Stadium, with the Nittany Lions (6-6) facing a Clemson team that also has nearly 30 players unavailable. Among those missing for Penn State are key contributors like center Nick Dawkins, guard Vega Ioane, and running back Nick Singleton. While seniors Kaytron Allen and Dani Dennis-Sutton are expected to dress for the game, their playing time may be limited.

“We’re not disappointed,” Smith stated, emphasizing that this is an opportunity for the remaining players to step up. “It’s the next man up.” This mindset reflects the current landscape of college football, where adapting to unexpected changes has become the norm.

Both teams began the season with high hopes, ranked in the top five but have faced disappointing midseason slumps. Penn State lost six consecutive games, while Clemson dropped four out of six. Each team has recorded only one victory against a Power Four conference opponent with a winning record—Penn State’s notable win against Nebraska and Clemson’s narrow victory over Louisville.

While Smith took over coaching duties in October, he has seen his team recover, winning the last three games, thanks to the efforts of players like Allen and Singleton. With the roster significantly altered, redshirt freshmen Corey Smith and Quinton Martin Jr., along with redshirt sophomore Cam Wallace, are expected to take on the majority of the rushing responsibilities.

“I think Corey Smith has done a really good job,” Smith remarked. “He’s really dynamic and a change-of-pace back.” Wallace and Martin are also poised to contribute, although their experience this season has been limited.

The offensive line for Penn State will be a makeshift unit, with Anthony Donkoh as the only starting player remaining. Other key players on the line include Cooper Cousins, T.J. Shanahan, and Dominic Rulli, who is expected to play at center. Smith expressed confidence in their ability to perform despite the challenges, citing their previous experience.

In the secondary, promising freshmen Daryus Dixson and Jahmir Joseph will see increased playing time alongside starter Audavion Collins. With Zakee Wheatley opting out of the game, Dejuan Lane and Vaboe Toure will step in at safety, aiming to fill the void left by the senior who has played the most snaps on defense this season.

Smith articulated a vision for the team’s future, stating, “We want to finish writing the script for the 2025 season.” He emphasized the importance of concluding this season on a positive note, considering the challenges faced.

Clemson, led by Dabo Swinney, also faces a depleted roster, with around ten players choosing to opt out. Swinney acknowledged the difficulties but expressed optimism about the preparation and the opportunity for other players to showcase their skills.

As both teams prepare for the game, the outcome may hinge on which team can better navigate the expected wintry conditions and maintain physicality throughout the match. Predictions lean towards a close contest, with Penn State receiving a slight edge due to their recent performance and resilience.

The Pinstripe Bowl promises to be a compelling matchup, reflecting the trials and triumphs of both programs as they aim to finish the season on a high note.