UPDATE: With less than 10 days until the highly anticipated Pinstripe Bowl, interim head coach Terry Smith faces a whirlwind of changes within the Penn State football program. Describing the environment as “different and unorthodox,” Smith is tasked with uniting a shifting roster and coaching staff ahead of the game against Clemson on December 27, 2023, at Yankee Stadium in New York.
The transition follows the recent hiring of Matt Campbell as head coach, with Smith remaining a key figure in Campbell’s yet-to-be-defined staff. Eight full-time assistants from the previous regime, including notable names like Andy Kotelnicki (offensive coordinator) and Phil Trautwein (offensive line), will lead the team into this crucial matchup, aiming to secure a victory for the Nittany Lions.
Smith emphasized the importance of focus during a critical time, stating, “I told them, ‘You’re either in or you’re out.’ The team members who show up in New York will be ready to win.” His leadership is pivotal as the team battles uncertainty over player availability. Earlier this week, Clemson’s coach Dabo Swinney confirmed that the Tigers will be without 27 players due to opt-outs and injuries.
For Penn State, the situation is also precarious. Key players, including running back Nick Singleton and safety Zakee Wheatley, have opted out, while younger players like Corey Smith and Cam Wallace will seize the opportunity to showcase their skills. Smith stated, “I anticipate all of those guys getting a shot to carry the ball,” highlighting the chance for these athletes to step up in Singleton’s absence.
The potential for further opt-outs looms over the program, with several seniors considering their futures. Players like running back Kaytron Allen and tight end Khalil Dinkins are among those whose decisions could impact the team’s strategy. Smith acknowledged the delicate balance in managing veteran participation while ensuring the team’s competitiveness, saying, “You want to see your young guys participate. Ultimately we want to win the football game.”
The upcoming game represents not only a challenge on the field but also a critical moment for Smith as he prepares to define his role in the new coaching structure under Campbell. “The focus right now is on the Pinstripe Bowl,” he said, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
As Penn State gears up for this pivotal clash against Clemson, fans are eagerly anticipating how these developments will unfold on the national stage. With the clock ticking down to game day, all eyes are on Smith and the Nittany Lions as they navigate this unprecedented transition.
