There was not a lot of surprise about where the Scarlet Knights would play in a bowl this season after they were eliminated from the Big East race with their loss to Connecticut. Rutgers will be playing the second annual Pinstripe Bowl in Yankee Stadium. Scarlet Knights opponent from the Big XII conference has been determined. Rutgers will take on Iowa State Cyclones in Yankee Stadium on December 30, 2011.
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Rutgers Scarlet Knights v. Iowa State Cyclones
Friday, December 30, 2011
Bronx, New York @ Yankees Stadium
The Big 12 needed to figure out their bowl lineup first before announcing which team would be facing Rutgers in New York. At first there were talks of Texas A&M and Missouri playing Rutgers in the Pinstripe Bowl. Other rumors had Texas playing Rutgers in the game. Ultimately, the second year bowl settled on Iowa State. Iowa State signature win came against the Oklahoma State Cowboys on November 19, 201. Iowa State cost the Cowboys a chance of playing for the national championship.
While it is not the bowl Rutgers wanted to go it is a great opportunity for the school to get some exposure in the biggest city in the world. Rutgers coach Greg Schiano said, “Getting an opportunity to play in a bowl game hosted by the New York Yankees is a great reward for our players.” Rutgers and Iowa State have never played each other. However, these teams have some history in common.
Both teams played Connecticut this year, with the Cyclones beating Connecticut 24-20. Rutgers on the other hand lost to the Huskies 40-22 denying them a chance at their first Big East championship in school history. Iowa State head coach Paul Rhoads, has some history against Rutgers. He used to be the defensive coordinator for Pittsburgh from 2000-2007 before going to Auburn under the same position. Iowa State finished the season with a record of 6-6.
Rutgers defied the expert’s expectations by finishing with a record of 8-4. Most experts picked Rutgers to finish dead last in the Big East Conference. Rutgers will be making its sixth bowl appearance in seven years. This appearance at the Pinstripe Bowl will be the seventh bowl appearance in school history.
Rutgers has some success at Yankee Stadium this year as they defeated Army 27-12 back on November 12, 2011. While this bowl might not be the most glamorous college football bowl game on the schedule it will be interesting to see two different styles square off in Yankee Stadium. The bowl game is quasi-home game for Rutgers as Yankee Stadium is across the river from where the Scarlet Knights play football in New Jersey. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30pm on Friday December 30, 2011.
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