Overview
- Ethan Grunkemeyer went 23-of-34 for 262 yards and two fourth-quarter touchdowns, hitting Trebor Peña for 73 yards and Andrew Rappleyea from 11 yards out.
- Penn State closed at 7–6 with a four-game winning streak, as Smith finished 4–3 after taking over when James Franklin was fired on Oct. 12.
- An emotional Smith called the victory “the greatest moment of my life” during his postgame interview at Yankee Stadium.
- Penn State has hired Matt Campbell as head coach, and Smith will remain on staff under a new multi-year deal.
- Clemson, depleted by injuries and opt-outs, finished 7–6 as Cade Klubnik went 22-of-39 for 193 yards in his final game, with Dabo Swinney expected to evaluate staff and pursue transfer-portal help when it reopens Jan. 2.