Clemson will be without several key players when the Tigers face Penn State on December 27 in the Pinstripe Bowl.

Dabo Swinney met with the media on Monday, confirming his team will be missing several starters due to opt-outs.

“We have had four pro guys opt out,’ the head coach said.

Starting defensive linemen Peter Woods, DeMonte Capehart, T.J. Parker, and starting corner Avieon Terrell have all opted out. Woods, Parker and Terrell are all forgoing their senior seasons to enter the NFL Draft. Capehart has also announced his intentions, although this was his final season of eligibility.

With those players out, Tom Allen’s unit will be missing close to half of the starters on a defense that currently ranks No. 15 nationally against the run (102.8 YPG).

The Tigers are allowing 20.4 points per game, which ranks No. 29 nationally and their 2.75 sacks per game rank No. 19.

Where the defense has struggled is against the pass. The Tigers are giving up 250.5 yards per contest, which ranks No. 117 in the nation. Not having Terrell weakens a backend that has already experienced its fair share of issues.

Clemson and Penn State will face off on December 27 in the Pinstripe Bowl. Kickoff is set for noon and the game will be televised on ESPN.

Photo by Bart Boatwright