2013 New Era Pinstripe Bowl final score: ND beats Rutgers 29-16
By Corey Leahy
Notre Dame has taken the New Era Pinstripe Bowl title this year, thnks to a decisive 29-16 victory over the Rutgers Scarlet Knights.
It was a huge game for both teams in the special teams category. That’s ultimately what helped the Fighting Iris get a win in Yankee Stadium.
For Notre Dame, quarterback Tommy Rees had a big game, completing 27 of 47 passes, for 319 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. Nine receivers caught at least one catch from Rees, with Troy Niklas leading the way, catching four balls for 76 yards.
The team also had an impressive rushing game, running for a combined 175 yards. Cam McDaniel was the team’s top rusher, who had a game high 80 rushing yards, on 17 carries. However, the two touchdowns were scored by two other ND players, wide receiver TJ Jones, and running back Tarean Folston.
The game was put away by the Irish’s kicker, Kyle Brindza, who completed five of six field goals, and converted both extra points.
For Rutgers, they had much more trouble on offense than their opponents. Chas Dodd completed just 10 of 28 passes for 156 yards, with one score and three interceptions. The team also let running back Justin Goodman try throwing a pass, however, it only took him one throw for Dodd to get back on the field. Goodman was 0/1 with one interception.
Paul James led the team in rushing, with 10 carries for 48 yards. While wide receiver Brandon Coleman had the only touchdown for the Scarlet Knights, catching two passes for a combined 65 yards.
Rutgers kicker Kyle Federico had a kicking percentage of 100%, completing all thee field goals attempted as well as kicking the only extra point for the team.
This marks the last game for Rutgers in the American Athletic Conference (formerly known as the Big East), as they will prepare to join the Big 10 conference next season.