Penn State is going bowling for the fourth straight season.
Though the campaign went differently than anyone had hoped a few months ago, credit is due to interim coach Terry Smith for rallying his team to three straight wins to finish the season.
And though there’s widespread uncertainty about who might play in a bowl game for the Nittany Lions, they will have a 13th game to finish this unforgettable — for many reasons — campaign.
“I’m just thankful we won a game. I’m thankful we have an opportunity to go to a bowl game,” Smith said after the 40-36 win at Rutgers. “Thankful for these guys that played their hearts out for all of us.”
But which bowl will Penn State play in, and against whom will it play? Here’s a look at the latest projections ahead of conference championship weekend.
Official bowl selections will be released next weekend.
ESPN (Kyle Bonagura)
Game Above Sports Bowl
Location: Ford Field (Detroit)
When: 1 p.m., Dec. 26
Opponent: Western Michigan
The Game Above Sports Bowl is annually between Big Ten and Mid-American Conference teams.
It was previously known as the QuickLane Bowl, and Penn State has never played in it.
ESPN (Mark Schlabach)
Rate Bowl
Location: Chase Field (Phoenix)
When: 4:30 p.m., Dec. 26
Opponent: Cincinnati
The Rate Bowl is annually between Big Ten and Big 12 teams.
It has held various names since its inception since 1996, but Penn State has never played in it.
ON3 (Brett McMurphy)
Pinstripe Bowl
Location: Yankee Stadium (Bronx, New York)
When: Noon, Dec. 27
Opponent: Pitt
The Pinstripe Bowl is annually between Big Ten and ACC teams.
Penn State has played in the Pinstripe Bowl once. It was James Franklin’s first season in 2014. The Lions beat Boston College, 31-30.
CBS Sports
Pinstripe Bowl
Location: Yankee Stadium (Bronx, New York)
When: Noon, Dec. 27
Opponent: Louisville
