Game Info
Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Saturday – December 28 – 11:00 AM
TV: ESPN
Yankee Stadium – Bronx
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish (8-4) will travel to the east coast to take on the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (6-6) at Yankee Stadium. In its short history, the Pinstripe Bowl has been a game to watch if you enjoy football played in inclement weather. Although Rutgers campus is not that far away, the Fighting Irish have a 16-6-3 all-time record at Yankee Stadium.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Head coach Brian Kelly began this season without his starting quarterback from their undefeated season Everett Golson due to academic reasons. He was replaced with the slower Tommy Rees. Their offensive game has been the air attack with wide receiver T.J. Jones. He has 100-yard games in nine games with a touchdown. The defense has been serviceable, holding Michigan State and USC to 23 points combined. It’s not the BCS championship, but a nice tip-of-the-cap for a good season.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Rutgers, and head coach Kyle Flood, are coming off a very mediocre season. They only became bowl eligible on the last game with a win over USF to end a five game losing streak. The Knights do have a potent running attack led by sophomore Paul James and his six yards per carry average.
Keys to Victory
One would think that Rutgers would have a home advantage, but no other fan base travels better than Notre Dame. Even though Rutgers may not be a very good team, Rees will have to play a mistake free game. Turnovers can change any game.
Prediction: Notre Dame 31 Rutgers 17
