Bowl projections: Where and when will Penn State play now that it has earned its 6th win?

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