GOOD
Clemson’s defense kept the Tigers alive far longer than the final score suggested.
For three quarters, Clemson turned the Pinstripe Bowl into a grind. Penn State managed just six points through 45 minutes, with Clemson’s front consistently winning early downs and limiting explosive plays. The Tigers held Penn State to field goals on multiple long drives and kept the game within one possession deep into the fourth quarter.
Adam Randall provided the offensive highlight, capping a 10-play drive with a 2-yard touchdown run that pulled Clemson within 15–10 midway through the fourth. It briefly injected life into an offense that struggled to sustain momentum most of the afternoon.
Clemson also avoided self-inflicted disasters — no turnovers, limited penalties, and composure in a cold, difficult setting at Yankee Stadium.
BAD
Clemson’s offense never found rhythm — and couldn’t capitalize when opportunities appeared.
Despite solid field position at times, the Tigers failed to convert red-zone chances and came away with just one touchdown. Cade Klubnik threw for 193 yards but finished without a passing score, and Clemson averaged just 3.6 yards per play.
Protection issues surfaced at critical moments. Klubnik was sacked four times, including drive-killers that erased momentum. On third down, Clemson converted just five of 15 attempts, repeatedly forcing punts in a game where possessions mattered.
The Tigers also missed a key chance before halftime when a stalled drive resulted in a field goal instead of a touchdown, keeping the game tight but leaving points on the field.
UGLY
The fourth quarter.
What had been a defensive chess match unraveled quickly. Penn State opened the quarter with a field goal, then struck with a 73-yard touchdown pass that flipped the game in a matter of seconds. Clemson’s defense, which had held firm all afternoon, suddenly found itself chasing.
After Clemson’s lone touchdown narrowed the gap, Penn State answered again with an 11-yard scoring pass to put the game away. In a span of just over 10 minutes, a 6–3 game became a 22–10 loss.
The inability to respond after the explosive play — and the immediate answer allowed afterward — defined the afternoon and underscored how thin the margin was for Clemson in bowl season.