Williams Blog: Initial reaction to Pinstripe Bowl selection

By Chris Williams, CycloneFanatic.com PublisherFollow Chris on Twitter @ChrisMWilliams

Anybody else up for a Cyclone New Year’s Eve party on Times Square?

Iowa State fans will have their opportunity to do so in style this year as the Cyclone football team has been selected to take part in the 2011 Pinstripe Bowl on Dec. 30 vs. Rutgers at Yankee Stadium.

Some quick, initial thoughts on the big announcement…

THE GOOD

— It’s a bowl game! Just think back to July when Iowa State was only favored in two games during the preseason. Remember when Vegas put the over/under on Cyclone victories on the season at three? Regardless of where it is at, going to any bowl game with this schedule is quite the accomplishment.

— Iowa State fans will have the opportunity to watch their Cyclones play in Yankee Stadium. That’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.

This quote from Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano’s recent statement sums it up quite well…

“It is a terrific situation when you can play your bowl game in the greatest city in the world. Getting an opportunity to play in a bowl game hosted by the New York Yankees is a great reward for our players.”

— Iowa State will get plenty of national of exposure in this bowl game. The fact that the game takes place in Yankee Stadium is a draw by itself. The Pinstripe Bowl is one of four games that will take place on Friday, Dec. 30, but it doesn’t have to compete with any other contest during its time slot. Being on ESPN is a nice plus.

Iowa State’s 2009 Insight Bowl victory over Minnesota was televised on the NFL Network, which wasn’t available to much of the country.

THE NOT SO GOOD

— New York City is expensive. Very expensive.

— In late December, New York City is cold. It looks like Cyclone fans won’t be getting their tan on.

— Iowa State doesn’t do a ton of recruiting out east. A game in Texas, Florida or California would have been more beneficial from that standpoint.

Stay tuned to CycloneFanatic.com tonight and tomorrow for more Pinstripe Bowl coverage. Iowa State players and Paul Rhoads will be made available to the media this evening at 7:30.