'It's an iconic venue': Greg Schiano addresses media after Rutgers football Pinstripe Bowl invitation
Head coach Greg Schiano addressed the media after the Rutgers football team received an invitation to play in the Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl. The Scarlet Knights (6-6, 3-6) will face off against the University of Miami on December 28 at Yankee Stadium.
Rutgers spent many hours on Sunday waiting for its bowl game placement and opponent. Schiano began the press conference by sharing his excitement for the upcoming game, which was accompanied by his expression of appreciation that the Knights will be able to continue to practice and develop.
"It's an iconic venue, a real quality opponent and another chance for our 2023 team to play together, which is special," Schiano said of the bowl game.
Schiano spoke on how it will be a busy time until the bowl game, as he will be dealing with recruiting players, holding practices and diving into the transfer portal.
Schiano mentioned that the game will present an ideal opportunity for some players who have been waiting to showcase their talents on the field more. He said there will be seven or eight practices specifically devoted to those players' development.
"Some guys will do a little bit and then come in and get treated and do some lifting," Schiano said. "Other guys are going to be out there, full practice, getting better. Here's an opportunity for the second and third team players to get all the coaching, to get all the reps, to get all the film."
Mario Cristobal, the current head coach of the Hurricanes (7-5, 3-4), has a tight-knit relationship with Schiano, as they spent time working together at both Miami and Rutgers. Schiano touched upon the potential that he has always seen in Cristobal and mentioned that he did unbelievable things during his years coaching alongside Schiano.
"(I'm) very proud of him, and we stayed in touch throughout all the years, so when we play, it will be competition, right," Schiano said. "But other than that, utmost respect and love for the guy."
The length of time that the Knights had to wait for their bowl game invitation was longer than the other teams. Despite it taking a while, Schiano said he was preoccupied at practice and was just content to be back on the field with the team after a week off.
"I knew we got a 13th game, and I didn't care," Schiano said. "As long as we get a 13th game, I'm excited. The fact that it's in the Pinstripe Bowl, and it's against Miami — that just makes it even better."
Rutgers will face the Hurricanes at 2:15 p.m. on December 28 in New York City. The Knights' 12th-ever bowl game will be broadcast on ESPN and 88.7 WRSU-FM.
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