2011 Pinstripe Bowl: After Victory, Rutgers Coach Greg Schiano Looks Ahead

After his team finished a successful 9-4 season by defeating Iowa State, 27-13, in the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium on Friday Rutgers University head football coach Greg Schiano looked forward to what he hopes will be a bright future for the Scarlet Knights.

"It gives me hope that we will have a good football team moving forward. It's not the start of everything; we have been a pretty consistent program, going to Bowl games, winning Bowl games and we have to get to the next level," Schiano said. "I hope that this group of players, this group of coaches, this group is the group that will get us over the top and get us to the championship level."

-- See more about the game, and about Rutgers University sports in general, at SB Nation's Rutgers website, On The Banks. You can see complete Big East Conference coverage at Big East Coast Bias.

Khaseem Greene Injury Update: Greg Schiano Says Rutgers' Linebacker 'Is Going To Be Ok'

With about five minutes remaining in the Rutgers University, 27-13, victory over Iowa State University in the 2011 Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium Friday, Scarlet Knight linebacker Khaseem Greene lay on the field in obvious pain from a right ankle injury. The Big East Conference's Co-defensive Player Of The Year was carted off the field via medical cart and all Scarlet Knights fan wanted to know was how the 6-foot-1, 220-pound linebacker was going to be.

"The medical people think he is going to be OK," said Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano in his postgame press conference. "Its going to take a little while to heal, but one of the things we wanted to do with Khaseem this Spring anyway was kinda cut back on what he was going to do in Spring football and all that. So, we will have a chance to develop in that areas and how ever long the healing process takes it takes."

Greene finished the regular season with a league-best 127 tackles and Tuesday announced he'd be returning for his senior season.

Here's the picture of Greene rolling his ankle, if you're squeamish when it comes to these things don't look.

via cdn2.sbnation.com

For more coverage of the 2011 Pinstripe Bowl, stay tuned to our storystream. For more on Rutgers football, visit our team page, or our blog On The Banks.

Pinstripe Bowl Final Score: Rutgers 27, Iowa State 13

Behind a 17-point second quarter which included two rushing touchdowns from sophomore running back Jawan Jamison, Rutgers University edged Iowa State University, 27-13, in the 2011 Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium. Jamison, who ran for 134 rushing yards on 27 carries, earned the game's MVP and helped the Scarlet Knights (9-4) earn their fifth bowl victory in program history. The Cyclones finished its season 6-7.

"Hey Biggy! This one is for you buddy!," yelled Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano on the winner's podium in the direction of former Rutgers football player Eric LeGrand, who last season suffered a severe spinal injury that prevented him from playing in the Pinstripe Bowl.

Rutgers sophomore quarter Chas Dodd played most of the contest and finished 10-for-17 with 194 yards and a touchdown, which featured sophomore wide receiver Brandon Coleman catching a 86-yard touchdown that capped the game's scoring and helped cement the Scarlet Knights victory with 5:47 remaining.

Rutgers senior wide receiver Mohamed Sanu caught six balls for 80 yards in what could have been his final game in a white and scarlet uniform.

Thanks to 17-unanswered second quarter points and scoreless third, Iowa State trailed 17-6 entering the fourth quarter. ISU was able to trim the Scarlet Knights margin to just one possession, 20-13, as sophomore running back Jeff Woody scored on a 20-yard rush with 10:00 to go. However, Coleman's touchdown and a failed fourth-down conversion inside the Rutgers' 15-yard line with less than five minutes to go did the Cyclones in.

"I am really proud of these kids," said Schiano after to the game to Rutgers radio station WCTC 1450 A.M. "I'll tell ya, this senior class has been through more than any class I've been around. To be able to come win it at home with Eric sitting and watching us. All of those guys, ya know, it's a great day."

Rutgers senior kicker San San Te made 2-of-3 field goals, including a 29-yarder that gave the Scarlet Knights a 20-6 lead with 13:21 remaining in the fourth quarter.

The Rutgers defense allowed just 311 total yards and forced three turnovers. Junior cornerback Logan Ryan played an outstanding game compiling an late, four-quarter interception and a huge pass breakup on ISU's fourth-down conversion attempt on its final possession.

However, in the final minutes of the contest Rutgers lost linebacker Khaseem Greene to a leg injury, which forced the the Co-defensive Big East Defensive Player Of The Year to leave the game via medical cart. The injury status of Greene is yet to be announced.

For more coverage of the 2011 Pinstripe Bowl, stay tuned to our storystream. For more on Rutgers football, visit our team page, or our blog On The Banks.

Pinstripe Bowl Score Update: Rutgers Still Leads Iowa State, 17-6, As Fourth Quarter Begins

A scoreless third quarter has helped to the 2011 Pinstripe Bowl head into its final 15 minutes with Rutgers University head of Iowa State University, 17-6. The game, which is being played at Yankee Stadium, saw just two third-quarter drives march inside an opponent's territory, including the most current Rutgers' drive that is at ISU's 28-yard line and will continue at the start of the fourth quarter.

The drive was setup by an interception thrown by ISU quarterback Steele Jantz who was picked off by Rutgers' Steve Beauharnais with 2:15 to go in the third.

The second ISU drive marched inside Rutgers territory, but the Scarlet Knights forced a punt.

Rutgers trailed 6-0 after one quarter, but used 17-unanswered points, including two rushing touchdowns by sophomore running back Jawan Jamison, to take a 9-point lead into halftime.

For more coverage of the 2011 Pinstripe Bowl, stay tuned to our storystream. For more on Rutgers football, visit our team page, or our blog On The Banks.

Pinstripe Bowl Halftime Score: Rutgers 17, Iowa State 6

Two rushing touchdowns by sophomore running back Jawan Jamison and a 21-yard field goal by senior kicker San San Tee has helped Rutger University take a 17-6 halftime lead over Iowa State University in the 2011 Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium. Jamison, who has already rushed for 61 yards, scored from one and 12 yards for the Scarlet Knights (8-4), who trailed 6-0 after the first quarter but tallied 17-unanswered points in the second to take the lead.

Game Recap: Rutgers 27, Iowa State 13

Jamison's first touchdown capped a 10-play, 92-yard drive that ended when Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano decided to go for it on 4th-and-1 from ISU's one-yard line. After a timeout to discuss what play to run, Jamison bulled his way into the end zone to give the Scarlet Knights their first lead of the game, 7-6, with 12:39 to play in the first half.

The drive was highlighted by a 25-yard reception by senior wide receiver Mohamed Sanu from quarterback Chas Dodd that converted a 4th-and-5 from ISU's 30-yard line.

Following the Rutgers touchdown, ISU took over but three plays later gave the ball right back to the Scarlet Knights.

On 3rd-and-12 from their own 30-yard line, ISU quarterback Jared Barnett dropped back to pass and was sacked and stripped by RU linebacker Khaseem Green. The ball was scooped up by RU defensive tackle Scott Vallone who was taken down at the Cyclones' four-yard line.

Three plays later, Rutgers had to settle for a 21-yard field goal by senior kicker San San Te, who made the kick and gave the Scarlet Knights a 10-6 lead with 10:30 to play in the half.

Rutgers capped the half's scoring when Jamison ended a 10-play, 66-yard drive with a 12-yard touchdown run that came with 2:24 to go. The drive was highlighted by a 23-yard rush by sophomore fullback Michael Burton.

ISU had a chance to trim Rutgers' lead to just eight points, but a 44-yard field goal by sophomore kicker Justin Guyer was blocked by defensive tackle Justin Francis with 57 second to play.

For more coverage of the 2011 Pinstripe Bowl, stay tuned to our storystream. For more on Rutgers football, visit our team page, or our blog On The Banks.

Pinstripe Bowl Score Update: Iowa State Leads Rutgers, 6-0, After One Quarter

A pair of field goals by senior kicker Zach Guyer has helped the Iowa State Cyclones earn an early advantage over the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, which trial 6-0 at the end of the first quarter of the 2011 Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium. Guyer made kicks from 41 and 45 yards, respectively, for the Cyclones (6-6), who has converted five first down but are 0-for-4 on third downs.

On their second possession of the game, the Scarlet Knights marched into Iowa State territory, but had to settled for a 47-yard field goal by senior kick San San Te, who missed the kick.

However, Rutgers forced ISU to a three-and-out on its next possession and has now marched the ball deep inside Cyclones' territory. The Scarlet Knights will begin the second quarter at ISU's 15-yard line and facing a 1st-and-10.

For more coverage of the 2011 Pinstripe Bowl, stay tuned to our storystream. For more on Rutgers football, visit our team page, or our blog On The Banks.

Rutgers Vs. Iowa State, 2011 Pinstripe Bowl: Time, TV, Location, History And More

Event: Rutgers Scarlet Knights (8-4) vs. Iowa State Cyclones (6-6) - Pinstripe Bowl

Date/Time: Friday, December 30, 2012 - 3:20 p.m. EDT.

Location: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York.

Broadcast Info: The Pinstripe Bowl will be televised on ESPN and ESPN 3.

Odds: Rutgers is a one-point favorite. The Over/Under is 44.5.

Last Time Out: Rutgers was blown out by the Connecticut Huskies 40-22 in the final game of the regular season, which was over a month ago on November 26. Rutgers had a chance to win a share of the Big East going into the Connecticut game, but laid an egg, and were down 40-10 after the third quarter.

Iowa State lost to the 11 ranked Kansas State Wildcats 30-23 on December 3. The Cyclones last win came on November 18 when they upset the number two ranked Oklahoma State Cowboys in double overtime, by a score of 37-31.

Rutgers In The Rankings: Rutgers allow the twelfth lowest average in yards this season at 311 per game. They're also tied for twelfth in interceptions with 17 on the season.

Cyclones In The Rankings: The Cyclones give up an average of 30 points and 432 yards per game.

For more coverage of the 2011 Pinstripe Bowl, stay tuned to our storystream. For more on Rutgers football, visit our team page, or our blog On The Banks.

2011 Pinstripe Bowl: Iowa State Scouting Report

As they prep for the New Era Pinstripe Bowl, the Iowa State Cyclones and head coach Paul Rhoads have plenty to be proud of this season. Throw aside the Cyclones’ 6-6 record, this is a better team than its record indicates. Five of their six losses came against nationally ranked teams and their upset over no. 2 ranked Oklahoma State stamped their ticket to the Pinstripe Bowl. However, the Cyclones have their sights set on one final upset to close out their season.

The biggest problem posed for Iowa State is that Rutgers’ strengths are Iowa State’s weaknesses. Iowa State will find it very difficult to run the football against Rutgers’ front seven. The Cyclones passing offense don’t pose too much of a threat to Rutgers’ secondary either. The Cyclones secondary, which has struggled stopping prolific wide receivers will face a challenge of their own in Rutgers’ record-setting receiver Mohamed Sanu and Brandon Coleman. Iowa State’s kryptonite defensively has been their 85^th-ranked rush defense. Fortunately, Rutgers’ has one of the most anemic rushing offenses in the nation and actually recorded negative team rushing yardage in it’s last outing.

Although, head coach Paul Rhoads signed a 10-year extension this month, the Pinstripe Bowl will be their final game with Tom Herman as the offensive coordinator. Herman, who ran the Cyclones’ spread offense, was hired to serve in the same capacity for Urban Meyer’s staff at Ohio State.

Players To Watch:

Jared Barnett: Freshman quarterback Jared Barnett leads Iowa State’s no-huddle spread offense and is a very elusive scrambler when he tucks the football and runs. Barnett burst onto the scene by leading Iowa State to an upset win over Oklahoma State. Despite starting just six games, Barnett was the Cyclones second leading rusher. However, the freshman starter is very inconsistent as a passer. He’ll have to utilize his mobility often if he hopes to survive Rutgers’ relentless blitzing schemes. Once sack yardage is subtracted from his total, Barnett rushed for 438 yards on 99 carries this season.

James White and Jeff Woody: White led the Cyclones in rushing by gaining 701 yards, 150 carries and eight touchdowns but missed most of the last two games while recovering from a shoulder injury suffered in the win over Oklahoma State. In his absence backup Jeff Woody, who is a bruising contact runner carried the load. Woody, Against Kansas State Woody rushed for 85 yards and two touchdowns. however, White possesses an explosiveness that Woody lacks. They will both benefit from running behind 6-6, 347 pound left tackle Kelechi Osemele, who is widely considered the Big 12’s (widest and) best offensive tackle.

Jake Knott and A.J. Klein: While Rutgers will likely rotate sophomore Chas Dodd and true freshman Gary Nova at quarterback, Iowa State will counter with a formidable duo of their own led by linebackers Jake Knott and AJ Klein.

Knott led the Cyclones in tackles but wasn’t even the best linebacker in his own unit. The Cyclones best defender during the 2011 season was junior A.J. Klein who was named the Big 12’s co-Defensive Defensive Player of the Year. If Klein, Knott and the Cyclones front seven must clog the middle and pressure Nova or Dodd into making bad decisions, like a freshman coed at her first college party.

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2011 Pinstripe Bowl: Rutgers Scouting Report

Friday afternoon the Rutgers Scarlet Knights will enter the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium with hopes of capping a surprising turnaround season with a win and capturing positive momentum towards the 2012 season. After surrendering an NCAA-record 61 sacks in 2010, offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti was hired in the off-season to run Rutgers’ pro-style run-oriented offense. Instead, the pass has been the strength of Rutgers’ offense while Rutgers’ rushing offense has been unbelievably shaky. They could have another 200 performance, like they did against the nation’s sixth-best run defense or they could fail to eclipse the Mendoza line and finish with negative yardage, a feat they accomplished against Connecticut. While the rushing attack is outside the top 100 nationally, averaging 91 yards per game, the Scarlet Knights passing attack is the nation’s 46^th best nationally in terms of yardage.

However, Rutgers success lives and dies with the performance of its defense. Fortunately, Rutgers' defense is the valedictorian of Big East defenses. Rutgers' defense enters the Pinstripe Bowl boasting the nation's 12th stingiest scoring defense and ranks sixth nationally in pass efficiency. The responsibility for bottling up the Cyclone’s rushing offense will be thrust upon Rutgers’ front seven, which boasts the Co-Defensive Player of the Year. Rutgers’ is infatuated with blitzing and as a result has the nation’s 17^th most sacks. The Scarlet Knights defense has also forced the nation’s sixth most takeaways and should be able to take advantage of Iowa State’s freshman quarterback, Jared Barnett.

Players To Watch:

Gary Nova and Chas Dodd - Coach Greg Schiano may choose to start Dodd but either way both quarterbacks will see action against Iowa State. Dodd was benched in the regular season finale in favor of Nova, who threw for 298 yards and two touchdowns in one quarter of action.

Khaseem Greene - The 6-foot-2, 215-pound junior linebacker was named Big East Co-Defensive Player of the Year after making 127 tackles this season. Against Iowa State’s vaunted rushing attack, Greene will likely see many opportunities to increase those numbers. Greene who was projected as a mid-round prospect in the NFL Draft announced this week that he would be returning for his senior season.

Mohamed Sanu - If a ball was thrown in his vicinity, Sanu came down with it this season. Despite instability at quarterback, Sanu showed up week in, week out and set a Big East record with 109 catches for 1,144 yards. Friday’s Pinstripe Bowl may also be Sanu’s final game in a Rutgers uniform as he is considered a likely second-round draft prospect.

Jawan Jefferson - The diminutive sophomore running back is one of the nation's smallest feature backs at 5-8, but still received a bulk of the offensive carries. Jefferson rushed for 766 yards on 204 carries. If the game turns into shootout, don’t expect Jefferson to get many carries as they often abandon the running game in high-scoring affairs.

2011 Pinstripe Bowl: Rutgers Season In Review

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights began the 2011 season with low expectations following a 4-8 campaign that ended in a a six-game losing streak. Rutgers halted its losing skid by routing FCS powder puff North Carolina Central, 48-0. It was the Scarlet Knights’ largest shutout win in a season opener since 1918.

However, it meant nothing considering Rutgers also shutout Norfolk State 31-0 in their 2010 season opener. Rutgers suffered their first setback of the season in the following week against North Carolina. Sophomore speedster Giovani Bernard gained 81 yards and two touchdowns while Rutgers leading rusher, DeAntwan Williams, could only muster 15 yards in nine carries. As a unit, North Carolina’s offense outgained Rutgers on the ground 132 yards to one. The Scarlet Knights scored a touchdown to pull within two with 10:40 remaining but were unable to start another scoring drive. The Scarlet Knights ultimately suffered its first loss, 24-22.

Against Ohio, Rutgers overpowered the undefeated Ohio Bobcats in a 38-26, led by junior receiver Mohamed Sanu’s record-setting day. Sanu caught a school-record 16 passes for 176 yards and two touchdowns.

Rutgers faced its biggest challenge in the Big East opener on the road at the Carrier Dome against the Syracuse Orangemen. Trailing 13-6 with time winding down in regulation, the Rutgers gambled on a fourth-and-nine from the Syracuse 33-yard line. Freshman backup Gary Nova, who replaced junior starter Chas Dodd, hit a falling receiver for a 13-yard gain. Rutgers tied the score at 13 on a 3-yard touchdown pass to Sanu with 2:09 left. After kicking a 13-yard field goal in the second overtime, cornerback Edmond Laryea, who replaced 2011 Big East Co-Defensive Player of the Year, Khaseem Greene, forced a Syracuse fumble that ended the game.

After a week of debate over who would start against Pittsburgh, the Scarlet Knights chose Nova, who de-committed from Pitt as a high school senior. Nova threw for 174 yards and two touchdowns en route to a convincing 34-10 win. The next week, Rutgers needed a blocked field goal with fewer than five minutes remaining to survive Navy 21-20.

However, the offense was unable to muster any offense as they scored just two touchdowns in a 14-16 loss to Louisville. The offense returned one week later against 25^th ranked West Virginia at home. However, the defense was unable to halt Geno Smith and the Mountaineers’ offense. After trailing 21-31 at halftime, the Mountaineers scored 20 unanswered points and walked away with a 41-31 win. Despite the loss to West Virginia, the most memorable part of the season came during the pre-game when former defensive lineman Eric Legrand, who was paralyzed from the neck down, during a game last October led the team out onto the snow-covered field. Legrand directed his wheelchair as head coach Greg Schiano walked beside him and the team followed. The moment was later voted Sports Illustrated's Moment of the Year and Legrand leading the team out onto the field was placed on the magazine's cover.

It was the last game Rutgers would lose before staging a three-game November winning streak. The Scarlet Knights began their streak by defeating South Florida 20-17. After Chas Dodd was brought in to replace ineffective starter, Gary Nova at the start of the fourth quarter, Dodd threw a game-tying 34-yard touchdown pass with 1:08 remaining. On the final play of regulation, South Florida missed a kick that would have won the game. In the first overtime, Rutgers cornerback Duron Harmon intercepted a South Florida pass that allowed Rutgers to seal the win with a field goal of their own. The win also gave Rutgers bowl-eligibility.

The Scarlet Knights outscored Army and Cincinnati 47-15 and unexpectedly fought their way back into the Big East title race. A win against Connecticut would give them a share of their first Big East championship and a shot a BCS championship bid. However, the Huskies defeated the Scarlet Knights and ending their bid in an anticlimactic 40-22 win.

The quarterback carousel continued against Connecticut as Nova threw for 298 yards in the fourth quarter in relief of Dodd. Brandon Coleman, who caught two fourth quarter touchdowns, including a 92-yarder finished with a team-high 223 yards. Sanu also caught nine balls for 133 yards.

Although, playing in nearby Yankee Stadium is a nice consolation prize, it will be interesting to witness how the Scarlet Knights respond after missing out on their shot at a Big East title and a BCS bowl game. Even though preparing for a bowl game in New York City isn’t quite as pleasant as preparing for the Orange Bowl in South Florida, the Scarlet Knights have plenty to be proud of. Their 8-4 season surpassed the expectations most had for the team following their disastrous 2010 campaign.

Rutgers Vs. Iowa State, Pinstripe Bowl 2011 Odds Update: Scarlet Knights Are Two-Point Favorites

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights (8-4) will meet the Iowa State Cyclones (6-6) on Dec. 30 at Yankee Stadium for the 2011 Pinstripe Bowl.

Rutgers lost their last game of the regular season to UConn 40-22 but are 3-1 in their last four outings. The Cyclones come into the game having lost their last two games of the season after a double overtime upset of the Oklahoma State Cowboys. Iowa State is 1-0 against the Big East this season with a 24-20 win over UConn.

The updated odds on this game are now available. Rutgers is now a two-point favorite over the Cyclones (via Odds Shark). The total for the game has been set at 44.5.

For more college football bowl odds and betting lines, visit Odds Shark. For more coverage of the 2011 Pinstripe Bowl, stay tuned to our storystream. For more on Rutgers football, visit our team page, or our blog On The Banks.

2011 Pinstripe Bowl: Iowa State Cyclones Season In Review

The 2011 Iowa State Cyclones are a team defined by its streaks, an overachieving group of players that overcame a daunting schedule and an unlikely season that included a win which shook up the national championship conversation.

Undefeated Beginnings

The season began with the Cyclones pulling out a last-minute escape over in-state powerhouse FCS powerhouse Northern Iowa. Junior quarterback Steele Jantz led the Cyclones on a game-winning touchdown drive.The next week, Jantz had his best performance of the season against the Iowa Hawkeyes by completing 67.8 percent of his passes for 267 yards and four touchdowns. All were season-highs for Jantz. From there, the season went downhill for Jantz.

The Losing Streak

Jantz won his final start of the season against the Huskies on Sept. 16., despite throwing three interceptions in his first four passes and the Cyclones improved to 3-0. However, their 3-0 start was cut down by four game losing streak against a string of strong Big 12 opponents.

Throughout losses to Texas, Baylor, Missouri and Texas A&M, Jantz completed just 50 percent of his pass attempts and threw four touchdowns to three interceptions. Jantz was finally benched in favor of freshman Jared Barnett after struggling to complete a pass against Texas A&M.

Jared Barnett Takes Over

In Barnett’s first start against 20^th ranked Texas Tech the Cyclones rode their rushing attack to its first victory in a month. The Cyclones rushed for 368 yards and held possession of the ball for more than 40 minutes to defeat Texas Tech, 41-7. Barnett put up pedestrian passing numbers in his debut but used his mobility to gain another 92 yards on 19 carries.

After squeaking out a win over the 2-7 Kansas Jayhawks, second-ranked Oklahoma State’s swashbuckling offense came riding into Jack Trice Stadium with national championship aspirations within their grasp. After falling behind 24-17 in the second half, Iowa State scored 17 unanswered points to tie the game at 24 in the fourth quarter.

Oklahoma State shanked the potential game-winning field goal and Iowa State responded by intercepting Heisman Trophy contender Brandon Weeden in the second overtime. It took three plays for Iowa State to stuff the ball into the endzone and to deliver the biggest win in program history. Backup running back Jeff Woody delivered the final dagger on a 4-yard touchdown un right up the gut of Oklahoma State's defense. Barnett also delivered the best passing performance of Iowa State’s season. Barnett threw for 376 yards and three touchdowns while tacking on an extra 84 yards rushing. The victory also made Iowa State bowl eligible.

Cyclones Plummet Back to Earth

The Cyclones were unable to replicate their success against top-15 teams Oklahoma and Kansas State. The Sooners had too much talent for Iowa State and handily defeated them 26-6. The next week, Iowa State lost by a touchdown to Kansas State. The game was tied until the Cyclones scored a go-ahead touchdown with 3:29 seconds left in the fourth. Iowa State’s offense drove the offense into Kansas State territory but was stuffed on fourth and two at the Kansas State. Despite the loss head coach Paul Rhoads was excited about his team’s development.

"This is the No. 11 team in the BCS," Rhoads said, "and with 1:07 to go, we're driving down to tie the game and send it into overtime." via ESPN.com

Outlook

Overall, the Cyclones were a team better than their 6-6 record indicated. Five of Iowa State’s six losses came against ranked teams and the Cyclones rushing attack was 35^th best in the nation. After watching its previous head coach Gene Chizik leave Ames, Iowa for Auburn despite going 5-19 in two seasons, Iowa State locked Rhoads down with a 10-year, $20 million contract extension.

Rutgers may have a better record but the Cyclones have been tested week in and week out during the season against a superior schedule. Moreover, Iowa State beat the teams they were supposed and hope to continue their program’s rise with a win over the Scarlet Knights in Yankee Stadium on Friday.

2012 NFL Draft: Rutgers Linebacker Khaseem Greene Will Return For Senior Season

Pinstripe Bowl 2011: Chad Dodd Or Gary Nova? Schiano 'Not Sure'

You can count Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano among the many people unsure about which quarterback will start for the Scarlet Knights in the 2011 Pinstripe Bowl against the  Iowa State Cyclones on Dec. 30. When asked on Tuesday, which quarterback would start, Schiano was unable to provide any insight into the outcome of Rutgers' quarterback competition which has been waged throughout the entire season between sophomore Chas Dodd and true freshman Gary Nova.

"I’m just not sure if I know what the best choice is for the 30th of December," Schiano said. "We’re going to keep playing them both. They’ve both showed at times that they should be the guy. So if it's not clear maybe we should play them both." -- via NJ.com

This season, Nova completed 51.4 percent of his pass attempts for 1,533 yards, 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Dodd posted a 56.4 percent completion percentage and threw for 1,398 yards, nine touchdowns and seven interceptions.

Both quarterbacks had relatively pedestrian seasons statistically, however, the strides Nova made in Rutgers' regular-season finale against Connecticut, in addition to Dodd's three ineffective quarters made this a difficult decision for Schiano. In three quarters, Dodd threw for 141 yards on 11-for-22 passing but also surrendered a fumble and interception to the defense, which Connecticut turned into two touchdowns. In relief of Dodd, Nova threw for 298 yards and two touchdowns in the fourth quarter of Rutgers' 40-22 loss.

It would be a cruel irony for Dodd to lose his starting position to a freshman in the bowl game after snatching the starting job away from sophomore starter Tom Savage last season in his own freshman campaign. However, the likelihood of Schiano using a platoon of signal callers gives Dodd the opportunity to put on a strong performance against Iowa State and to gain back some momentum heading into the brutal position battle that lies ahead for both quarterbacks in the spring.

Rutgers News: Ex-Maryland Lineman R.J. Dill To Join Scarlet Knights

The Maryland Terrapins football team is experiencing something of an exodus as of late. Already nine players have transferred off the team and away from head coach Randy Edsall. In at least one case, it appears as though the Rutgers Scarlet Knights will benefit from Maryland's loss.

Offensive lineman R.J. Dill, who had started the last 30 games at right tackle for Maryland, announced he would be transferring a couple of weeks ago, but has finally chosen Rutgers as his destination school, according to Patrick Stevens of the Washington Times. Dill sent an email to the paper announcing his decision saying he is happy to end his search. he will be pursuing a graduate degree in labor relations while at Rutgers.

Many of the Maryland players were reportedly unhappy with the rules laid down by Edsall and his coaching staff. You can read more about the exodus and other Maryland offseason news at SB Nation DC.

For more on Rutgers football, visit our team page, or our blog On The Banks.

Savon Huggins Injury Update, 2011 Pinstripe Bowl: Rutgers RB Will Be Game Week Decision

Rutgers' injured true freshman running back Savon Huggins could be ready to play in time for the 2011 Pinstripe Bowl against Iowa State on Dec. 30. At the moment, Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano is not so certain about Huggins' status:

I'm not sure," Schiano said. "It's going to be a game week thing." (via NJ.com)

Huggins missed the last three games of the regular season with a knee injury he picked up in an overtime win against South Florida on Nov. 5. Huggins played in nine games for Rutgers in 2011, but did not start any. Huggins is the Scarlet Knights' third-leading rusher with 146 yards. He also caught one pass for 11 yards. Huggins has five of the team's 12 total rushing touchdowns this season.

For more coverage of the 2011 Pinstripe Bowl, stay tuned to our storystream. For more on Rutgers football, visit our team page, or our blog On The Banks.

Rutgers Vs. Iowa State, 2011 Pinstripe Bowl: Scarlet Knights Coach Greg Schiano Says Bowl Prep Heats Up Next Week

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights are taking it easy on their postseason preparations this week for the upcoming 2011 Pinstripe Bowl (Dec. 30) against the Iowa St. Cyclones. Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano said

"They've got a lot on their plate right now," he said following practice today. "They've got final exams, they've got papers, so we're trying not to use very much of their time at all. They're handling it well. They're working hard.
"We're not keeping them here that long. We're not meeting as long. We're not doing any of that stuff. Next week we get into game plan stuff and then it will pick up." (via NJ.com)

The last day of finals at Rutgers is Dec. 23, but Schiano said that most of his players will be done with their finals before then. Rutgers has practices scheduled at home on Dec. 23 and Dec. 26. Their walkthrough is scheduled at Yankee Stadium on Dec. 29.

For more coverage of the 2011 Pinstripe Bowl, stay tuned to our storystream. For more on Rutgers football, visit our team page, or our blog On The Banks.

Rutgers Vs. Iowa State, 2011 Pinstripe Bowl: Scarlet Knights And Cyclones To Battle At Yankee Stadium

On Sunday, the Rutgers University football program accepted an invitation to the New Era Pinstripe Bowl, Dec. 30, at Yankee Stadium. The Scarlet Knights (8-4) will play the Big 12 Conference's Iowa State Cyclones (6-6).