Overview
- Ethan Grunkemeyer’s 262 yards and two fourth‑quarter touchdowns — including a 73‑yard strike to Trebor Pena, the game’s MVP — sealed the result at snowy Yankee Stadium, while Quinton Martin rushed for 101 yards.
- Both teams were heavily short-handed due to injuries and opt-outs, with Clemson down 29 players and Penn State 34, including four starting offensive linemen and running back Kaytron Allen.
- Interim coach Terry Smith closed 4-3 with four consecutive wins and, after an emotional postgame interview, was confirmed to remain on incoming head coach Matt Campbell’s staff.
- Clemson finished 7-6 in a season widely assessed as its worst under Dabo Swinney, who said he will evaluate staff and roster needs after another inefficient offensive outing and key drops.
- With the transfer portal reopening Jan. 2, Penn State faces retention decisions on breakout pieces such as Martin and emerging young defensive backs, and Clemson is expected to pursue additions.