SportsLine's computer model reveals its Clemson Tigers vs. Penn State Nittany Lions best bets for this matchup at Yankee Stadium
The article provides a detailed preview of the upcoming 2025 Pinstripe Bowl, set to feature the Penn State Nittany Lions against the Clemson Tigers on Saturday, December 27th, at Yankee Stadium. Both teams concluded their regular seasons with winning streaks, with Penn State (6-6) finishing 12th in the Big Ten at 3-6, and Clemson (7-5) tying for seventh in the ACC at 4-4. A significant factor highlighted is the extensive list of player absences for both squads, which is expected to drastically alter their lineups. Penn State will notably miss star running back Nicholas Singleton, while Clemson faces the challenge of playing without key players such as wide receiver Antonio Williams and defensive linemen Peter Woods and T.J. Parker, among a total of nearly 30 players. Despite these challenges, both starting quarterbacks, Cade Klubnik for Clemson and Ethan Grunkemeyer for Penn State (stepping in after Drew Allar's ACL injury), are confirmed to play. The initial betting lines place the Clemson Tigers as 2.5-point favorites, with the over/under for total points set at 47.5. Readers are encouraged to consult the SportsLine Projection Model for expert picks before placing any wagers.
Delving into the SportsLine Projection Model's analysis, the article reveals crucial insights for betting on the Penn State vs. Clemson matchup. Following 10,000 comprehensive simulations of the game, the model strongly advises betting on the 'Under' for the total points scored, which is set at 47.5. This recommendation is underpinned by Clemson's recent performance, where the 'Under' has successfully hit in four consecutive games, and the team maintained an 8-4 record against the 'Under' throughout the season. A key explanatory factor for this projection is the substantial number of absent players on both sides of the ball. Specifically, Penn State's depleted offensive line is anticipated to severely hinder their ability to generate offense, with quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer projected to pass for fewer than 170 yards. Clemson also faces challenges with absences at receiver and on the offensive line. Ultimately, the model forecasts a combined score of approximately 46 points, indicating a nearly 60% probability that the 'Under' will prevail. Furthermore, the model provides a definitive pick for one side of the spread, which is also expected to hit with a high degree of confidence (well over 50% of the simulations).