While the Pinstripe Bowl will feature two of the bigger brands across college football in Penn State and Clemson, this matchup will pit two of the seasons biggest disappointments against one another.

Both of these teams made the College Football Playoff last season, with the Nittany Lions making a deep run, prompting both to enter this season ranked inside of the AP Top 5. Saying those expectations were not met by either team would be putting it mildly.

The Tigers limped out to a 1-3 start, then found themselves sitting at 3-5 after back-to-back home losses to SMU and Duke. Dabo Swinney’s team did win its final four games of the regular season to finish at 7-5.

Penn State split its first six games, resulting in the firing of longtime head coach James Franklin, who has since been hired at Virginia Tech. The Nittany Lions split their final six games as well, finishing at 6-6.

As if the disappointing seasons weren’t enough to put a damper on this game, opt-outs could change the complexion even more. Penn State has already seen starting OL Vega Ioane, starting DT Zane Durant, DB Zakee Wheatley and RB Nicholas Singleton announce their intentions to enter the NFL Draft and opt out of the bowl game. More are expected in the coming days.

Clemson could potentially be hit even harder. DL Peter Woods, T.J. Parker and DeMonte Capehart have all announced plans to enter the draft. While none have publicly said they weren’t playing in the bowl game, it is probably safe to assume they won’t. With Jahiem Lawson and Amare Adams already out with injuries, that would leave the Tigers paper-thin on experience up front along the defensive line.

Starting corner Avieon Terrell also announced plans to enter the draft, and seeing how he was injured in the 28-14 win over South Carolina, it’s also probably safe to assume he won’t suit up, although to be clear, he has not publicly opted out. With starting safety Khalil Barnes planning to enter the portal, Clemson could also be short on bodies on the backend.

If those guys choose not to play, that is almost half of the entire starting defense. For those wanting to get a look at some of the younger guys on the roster, you might very well get your wish, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.