Penn State is headed to the Big Apple.
The Nittany Lions (6-6) have accepted an invitation to play in the Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl, where they will face the Duke Blue Devils (7-6) on Saturday, December 27 at Yankee Stadium. Kickoff is set for 12:00 p.m. ET on ABC.
A Familiar Setting
This marks Penn State’s second appearance in the Pinstripe Bowl. In 2014, James Franklin’s first bowl victory came at Yankee Stadium in a thrilling 31-30 overtime win against Boston College. Now, interim head coach Terry Smith will look to cap off a tumultuous 2025 season with a victory in the same venue before handing the reins to newly hired head coach Matt Campbell.
“We’re excited to play in New York City,” Smith said. “Our players have fought hard to earn this opportunity, and Yankee Stadium is an iconic stage for our seniors to finish their careers.”
The Matchup: Duke Blue Devils
Duke, led by head coach Manny Diaz—a former Penn State defensive coordinator—finished the season 7-6. The Blue Devils were the surprise of the ACC, making a run to the conference championship game before falling to Clemson.
This game features an intriguing storyline: The Manny Diaz Revenge Game. Diaz served as Penn State’s defensive coordinator from 2022-2023, building one of the nation’s elite defenses before leaving for the Duke job. His knowledge of Penn State’s personnel, particularly quarterback Drew Allar (inactive) and running backs Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen, adds a layer of chess-match intrigue to the contest.
Key Storylines
- Terry Smith’s Finale: The interim coach has unified the locker room. a bowl win would be a fitting end to his steady leadership during a chaotic two months.
- Running Back Showcase: With chilly weather expected in the Bronx, expect a heavy dose of Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen. Allen recently broke the school’s all-time rushing record, while Singleton set the career touchdown mark.
- The Diaz Factor: How will Penn State’s offense, now led by QB Ethan Grunkemeyer, attack a defense designed by their former coordinator?
Tickets for the Pinstripe Bowl are available now through the Penn State Athletics ticket office.