The Rutgers Scarlet Knights are coming to Toronto.

Rutgers has accepted an invitation to appear in the second annual International Bowl, which will be played Jan. 5 at Rogers Centre. The Scarlet Knights will face a to-be-announced team from the Mid-American Conference. "Rutgers is a great addition to our game," said Ken Hoffman, the executive director of the International Bowl. "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 to the city for bowl week."

The Cincinnati Bearcats won last year's inaugural International Bowl, rallying from a 24-0 deficit to edge the Western Michigan Broncos 27-24. The game is the only NCAA Division I football contest played outside the United States.

"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."

Rutgers (7-5, 3-4 Big East) concluded its regular season with a 41-38 loss to Louisville (6-6, 3-4). This marks the third straight year the Scarlet Knights have gone on to play in a bowl game, a first in school history.

A win Thursday night would mark consecutive eight-win seasons for Rutgers for the first time since 1978-'79. The Scarlet Knights have recorded consecutive eight-win campaigns five times in school history.

Rutgers' roster features defensive end Jamaal Westerman, a six-foot-three, 260-pound junior from Brampton, Ont., and his younger brother Jawaan, a freshman receiver. Jamaal Westerman has registered 45 tackles and a team-high 7.5 sacks this season.

There could soon be a third Westerman at Rutgers. Jabar Westerman is a 260-pound defensive tackle who's a high school senior being pursued by several Division I schools, including Rutgers.

Another Canadian on the roster is defensive end Jonathan Pierre-Etienne, a six-foot-three, 260-pound junior from Montreal.

Rutgers' offence is led by running back Ray Rice and receiver Tiquan Underwood, both juniors.

Ray Rice has rushed for 1,612 yards and scored 17 touchdowns this season, becoming the first player in Big East history to register consecutive seasons of 1,500 yards or more rushing. He had 1,794 yards last year, the second-highest total in the NCAA, and is a finalist for the Doak Walker award, given annually to the top running back in U.S. college football.

Underwood has 58 catches for 965 yards and six touchdowns this season after finishing last year with 23 receptions for 290 yards and four TDs.

Rutgers was one of U.S. college football's top teams last season, posting a 10-2 record before downing Kansas State 37-10 in the inaugural Texas Bowl. The Scarlet Knights finished the year with the No. 12 overall ranking.