The Penn State Nittany Lions will face an opponent from the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) in the Pinstripe Bowl on December 27, 2023, at Yankee Stadium in New York. This confirmation comes from a reliable source, as reported by the Reading Eagle. The Nittany Lions, who finished the season with a record of 6-6, will be making their second appearance in this bowl, having previously triumphed over Boston College in a thrilling 31-30 game 11 years ago.
In this upcoming match, Terry Smith, who has served as the interim head coach since mid-October, will lead the team. He is set to remain on the coaching staff under incoming head coach Matt Campbell, who will be officially introduced on Monday. Smith’s leadership during a challenging season has garnered respect, and his continuity with the program may provide stability as the team prepares for the bowl game.
Potential opponents from the ACC include Clemson, Duke, Louisville, and Pittsburgh. Clemson, which has not participated in the Pinstripe Bowl previously, was anticipated to make a strong showing this season, along with Penn State, both of whom began the year ranked in the top five nationally. Duke, under the guidance of former Penn State defensive coordinator Manny Diaz, could also pose a significant challenge. Meanwhile, Jeff Brohm, the head coach at Louisville, was considered for the Nittany Lions’ coaching position before Campbell’s hiring late Friday night.
The Nittany Lions last faced off against Pittsburgh in 2019, adding an intriguing layer to the potential matchups. The outcome of the Pinstripe Bowl will not only be a testament to the resilience of the Penn State program but also a significant event for fans and alumni as they gather to support their team in New York. With both historical context and a promising lineup of opponents, the upcoming game is set to be a highlight of the college football postseason.
