Rutgers at Louisville (11/29/2007)

Home News Tribune Online 11/29/07

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LOUISVILLE, Ky. — If Rutgers coach Greg Schiano could've disabled Internet access and bought all the newspapers throughout campus this week, he would've done so.

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He couldn't, and so his players likely have a clue as to the bowl to which they're headed regardless of the outcome of today's meeting with Louisville (7:45 p.m., ESPN).

Though a formal invitation from the International Bowl isn't expected until after the game, the Scarlet Knights are headed to Toronto win or lose. That doesn't mean Schiano is sharing that news with his players.

"They're not stupid. They know what you're writing," Schiano told reporters Tuesday. "Like I said, after the game, on Friday, I'll talk about the bowls."

Pete Tverdov, for one, rather not know Rutgers' bowl fate until it's announced.

"I'm really trying not to worry about that stuff," the defensive tackle said. "Coach told us nothing's definite yet. He's told us when he knows something, we'll know something."

It's understandable why Schiano would prefer his players to remain in the dark about their bowl destination until after tonight's regular-season finale. After all, if they knew there really isn't anything at stake in the way of a postseason bid, what motivation would there be?

"Hopefully, if we do win," receiver Kenny Britt said, "it would be nice to go to a big bowl, just to get our program back on the map where it should be. That's what it's all about."

Sorry, Rutgers is bound for Canada no matter what happens tonight.