BRONX, N.Y. (Interstat) — Two programs accustomed to higher stakes will meet in a postseason consolation prize when Penn State faces Clemson in the New York City Football Classic on Saturday, Dec. 27, at Yankee Stadium. The Nittany Lions (6-6) and Tigers (7-5), both unranked and absent from the College Football Playoff conversation, will look to salvage their seasons with a victory in the Bronx. Despite its .500 record, Penn State has been installed as a 3-point favorite by oddsmakers. The over/under is 48.5 points, with National Statistical’s game simulator projecting a narrow 24-23 Clemson victory. Penn State enters having won three of its last four, including a 40-36 shootout at Rutgers on Nov. 29. The Nittany Lions’ offense found a potent rhythm behind quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer and a dominant rushing attack. Running back Kaytron Allen gashed Rutgers for 226 yards and a touchdown, while Nicholas Singleton added 86 rushing yards and scored twice. This late-season surge contrasts with a midseason five-game losing streak that included narrow losses to Iowa, Northwestern and Indiana. Clemson also closed strong, winning three of its final four, capped by a 28-14 victory at rival South Carolina. Quarterback Cade Klubnik threw for 268 yards and a score in that win, with receiver Adam Randall providing a spark by rushing for 102 yards and a touchdown. The Tigers’ season, however, was marred by inconsistent performances, including a home loss to SMU and a one-point defeat to Duke. The matchup pits Penn State’s recently explosive offense against a Clemson defense that allowed an average of just 17 points over its final three games. The Tigers will need to contain Penn State’s two-headed rushing monster, Allen and Singleton, to prevail. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. EST. The game will be televised on ESPN. A win would secure a winning record for Clemson, while Penn State aims to finish above .500 and build momentum for 2026 after a disappointing regular season.