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Rutgers is led by record-setting RB Ray Rice (#27)

International Bowl officials extended the bid immediately following Rutgers final game of the season.  The team's Mid-American Conference opponent will not be known until the weekend.  The MAC Championship game, scheduled for
this Saturday, will impact the selection process for an opponent.

"Rutgers is a great addition to our game," International Bowl Executive Director Ken Hoffman remarked. "We're proud to have such a celebrated school add to the history of the International Bowl. They have a large alumni
following and will bring many fans into the city for bowl week."

Rutgers is led by sensational junior running back Ray Rice, who is among the leaders in rushing totals in the nation. He is a finalist for the Doak Walker Award awarded annually since 1990 to the top collegiate running back in the United States.

Rutgers is known as the Birthplace of College Football because it was the site of the first-ever intercollegiate game, played November 6, 1869, against Princeton University.

"We're thrilled to accept this invitation to play in the International Bowl and I know our team is excited about the opportunity to play in a bowl game for the third consecutive year," said Rutgers Athletic Director Robert E. Mulcahy III.  "Toronto is a wonderful city and our alumni and fans are sure to have a great time there." 

Last year's inaugural International Bowl featured an exciting finish in which the Cincinnati Bearcats scored a 27-24 victory over the Western Michigan Broncos, who rallied from a 24-0 deficit.

Fans who attended last year's game were treated to the pageantry, excitement, and of course, the marching bands of NCAA football, with some Canadian fans commenting that it was the best atmosphere at a football game that they have ever experienced.

The International Bowl is the only NCAA Division I football game played outside of the U.S.  This year the game kicks off at noon on Saturday, January 5, 2008.