Pinstripe Bowl: Latest News, Notes and Analysis for Rutgers vs. Iowa State

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The 2011 Pinstripe Bowl is only a day away, and the anticipation for the game between Rutgers and Iowa State is growing.

During the course of the week leading up the game, the coaches and players of each team attended charity events, visited the 9/11 Memorial and rang the opening bell of the New York Stock Exchange.

After all these extra functions, these men are ready for some football.

Here are some news and notes that will bring us to Friday's game. 

Still No Decision at Quarterback

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Either Rutgers coach Greg Schiano is very good at keeping a secret, or he genuinely does not know who his quarterback will be against Iowa State.

Freshman Gary Nova (pictured) and sophomore Chas Dodd have each had good and bad moments behind center this season, and neither one is running away with the job.

Schiano has said that he will not make a decision until "just before kickoff."

Although this helps keep the opposing defense unprepared, it also does not instill too much confidence in either player.

Expect both players to see action at points during the Pinstripe Bowl.

Paul Rhoads Signs Extension

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It only took three years for Iowa State to decide that Paul Rhoads is the long-term solution at coach, but so far it looks like the right decision.

Two weeks ago the head coach signed a 10-year, $20 million extension that will keep him a Cyclone for quite some time.

Although Rhoads is only 18-19 during his time at Iowa State, it is miles better than the 5-19 record of his predecessor, Gene Chizik. Chizik then left the school to take the head spot at Auburn, where he won a national championship just two years later.

After seeing Chizik's success, it was important to make sure that Rhoads would have no reason to leave and stop the rebuilding process he has started.

The security will help the coach focus on his team and on winning the game.

Khaseem Greene Is Staying at Rutgers

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Fans of Rutgers were able to breathe easier after Khaseem Greene announced this week that he will be returning to the school next season.

The star linebacker was expected to declare for the NFL draft after this season, his first since switching positions from free safety.

This was an important move for the team, as it reinforces a sense of unity and comfort that might not exist if Greene had chosen to go in a different direction.

RB James White Will Be Full Strength

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After injuring his shoulder against Oklahoma State a month ago, running back James White has been limited in the Iowa State backfield.

White leads the Cyclones this season with 701 rushing yards and eight touchdowns, but in the past two games the sophomore has only 30 yards on nine carries.

The running back says he is now healthy, and he should be able to take on Rutgers without any limitations.

This will be a big addition for a team that has struggled on offense for much of the season.

Empire State Building to Support Pinstripe Bowl

Courtesy of official Empire State Building website

On Dec. 29, everyone in New York will know about the Pinstripe Bowl, even if they are not fans of college football.

The Empire State Building will support the Pinstripe Bowl by lighting the top of the tower in the colors of the two teams.

The north and south sides will be red and white for Rutgers, while the east and west sides will show red and yellow lighting for Iowa State.

It adds a little New York spice to the already exciting game.