The Pinstripe Bowl was already set to test Clemson Tigers and the Penn State Nittany Lions in unfamiliar surroundings. Now, the weather may be just as formidable as the opponent.
Saturday’s noon kickoff at Yankee Stadium comes with frigid temperatures and the lingering effects of a winter storm that blanketed New York City late Friday into early Saturday.
According to the National Weather Service, the Bronx is expected to hover around 30 degrees at kickoff with a 30% chance of snow, mostly before sunrise. Winds out of the northeast could push wind chill values into the teens, adding another layer of difficulty for both sidelines.
ABC News reported New York City was under a winter storm warning as heavy snow swept through the region overnight. The city was projected to receive up to seven inches — its most significant snowfall in nearly four years — before tapering off by mid-morning.
“Snow will begin in western New York on Friday morning and reach New York City by 5 p.m. Friday,” ABC News said. “The snow will be heavy at times and will greatly reduce visibility, making travel treacherous.”
By kickoff, snowfall should be done, but the cold won’t relent. AccuWeather projects a “RealFeel” temperature near 17 degrees at game time — conditions that could impact passing, kicking and overall ball handling.
Kickoff, TV Info
Clemson and Penn State will kick off at noon ET Saturday at Yankee Stadium. The game airs nationally on ABC, with Dave Pasch and Dusty Dvoracek on the call and Taylor McGregor reporting from the sidelines.
Cold-weather execution, field conditions and mental toughness may end up playing as large a role as play-calling when the Tigers and Nittany Lions close their seasons in the Bronx.