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.
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