Overview
- Both sides confirmed key absences, including Penn State’s Olaivavega Ioane, Zane Durant, Nick Singleton and Zakee Wheatley, and Clemson’s Peter Woods, T.J. Parker, DeMonte Capehart and Avieon Terrell, with receiver Antonio Williams also out.
- Klubnik said there was never a question he would suit up, and Saturday would mark approximately his 40th career start as Clemson leans on experience at quarterback.
- Penn State’s bowl prep is led by interim coach Terry Smith as newly hired head coach Matt Campbell meets the roster, drawing positive early reviews from veterans.
- Clemson arrives off a late four-game win streak after a rocky start, as Dabo Swinney’s team leaned more on the run and sought steadier game management down the stretch.
- Former Penn State defensive coordinator Tom Allen now runs Clemson’s defense, which enters the bowl depleted by multiple front-seven and secondary departures.