Rutgers vs Iowa State: Last-Minute Spread Info, Line and More for Pinstripe Bowl

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights (8-4) will battle the Iowa State Cyclones (6-6) in the second annual Pinstripe Bowl. Both teams will be looking to end the year on a positive note before looking ahead to next season.

Rutgers finished fourth in the Big East with a 4-3 conference record. The team's calling card has been its defense, which led the conference in both points and yards allowed. The Scarlet Knights need another strong performance from that unit on Friday.

As for Iowa State, its season will be defined by a win over Oklahoma State. The Cyclones stunned the Cowboys just when it appeared they were ready to claim a spot in the national title game. Even though they came up short in their other big games, they had a lasting impact on the title chase.

Where: Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York

When: Friday, Dec. 30 at 3:20 p.m. ET

Watch: ESPN

Listen: ESPN Radio

Betting Line: Rutgers -2

Key Storyline: Will the venue outshine the two teams?

Since Friday's game is one of seemingly endless second-tier bowl games, it's more likely that college football fans will tune in to see teams play inside Yankee Stadium than anything else. That's probably fine with the players, who will enjoy the extra publicity.

Who Might Not Play for Rutgers: RB Savon Huggins

Huggins is questionable with a knee injury, based on a report from Matt Sugam. The freshman averaged less than three yards per carry, but still managed to be a touchdown vulture as he found pay dirt five times. If he's out, that would place more pressure on the shoulders of Jawan Jamison.

Who Might Not Play for Iowa State: OL Shaban Dika

The only member of the Cyclones on the injury report who isn't out for the season is Shaban Dika. He's a depth lineman who has been dealing with a lingering knee issue and is questionable according to USA Today. Otherwise, Iowa State is ready to roll.

What They're Saying

Rutgers got some good news when star linebacker Khaseem Greene decided to return for his season season in 2012, according to Tom Luicci of the Star-Ledger:

"

I’ve decided that the best thing for me to do is to stay in school,” Greene said yesterday during a brief pre-Pinstripe Bowl news conference at the Grand Hyatt.

“I’m a Rutgers guy. I love it here. I love coach (Greg Schiano), I love the family and I just know in my heart that this is the right decision.

"

Cornerback Ter’ran Benton wants people to know that the Cyclones were better than their record would indicate (via Yahoo! Sports):

"

We had a hard schedule and a lot of people didn’t think we were going to win two or three games and (making a bowl is) just going to show everybody that Iowa State is a good team and we got good coaches and a good record.

"

Rutgers Player To Watch: WR Mohamed Sanu

There's no doubt that Sanu will be the biggest star on the field. Should he declare, he's projected to be a late first-round pick by most early NFL mock drafts, and his stock continues to improve. Another big performance in the Pinstripe Bowl will make him a household name before draft day.

Iowa State Player To Watch: RB James White

White has been Iowa State's most consistent offensive threat. He gained just over 700 yards on 150 carries and had nine total touchdowns. The Cyclones will lean heavily on him once again as they attempt to control the game's tempo with the running game.

Key Matchup: Scarlet Knights pass defense vs. Cyclones QB Jared Barnett

Barnett took control of the starting job around midseason and helped lead Iowa State's offense to some impressive showings thanks to his dual-threat abilities. He faces a stiff test against a Rutgers secondary that allowed less than 170 yards per game through the air while intercepting 17 passes and giving up just eight passing TDs.

Prediction

Iowa State 24, Rutgers 21