Rutgers vs. Kansas State: Predictions, odds and how to watch Rate Bowl
Elizabeth FloresThe college football bowl season moves to Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona, for the Rate Bowl featuring the Rutgers Scarlet Knights against the Kansas State Wildcats.
The Scarlet Knights began the regular season with an unexpected surge, winning four consecutive games. Despite a subsequent four-game losing streak, they persevered and finished with a 7-5 record, earning a spot in the bowl. The team is led by Athan Kaliakmanis, who demonstrated his skill with a 54.8% completion rate, 2,459 yards, 17 touchdowns, and six interceptions. He is complemented by running back Kyle Monangai, who rushed for 1,279 yards and scored 13 touchdowns, earning first-team All-Big Ten honors.
Despite the Wildcats' aspirations for a Big 12 title, the season did not unfold as expected, resulting in an 8-4 record. However, the team's sophomore quarterback, Avery Johnson, showed promise, completing 202 of 342 pass attempts for 2,517 yards, along with 22 touchdowns and nine interceptions. This performance hints at a bright future for the Wildcats.
Here is everything to know about the Rate Bowl ahead of kickoff.
Rate Bowl predictions: Rutgers vs. Kansas State
USA TODAY: Majority pick Kansas State
- Scooby Axson: Kansas State
- Jordan Mendoza: Kansas State
- Paul Myerberg: Kansas State
- Erick Smith: Kansas State
- Eddie Timanus: Kansas State
- Dan Wolken: Rutgers
ESPN: Rutgers 24, Kansas State 20
Adam Rittenberg writes: "Both teams entered the season with a good amount of buzz, especially Kansas State, a popular pick to win the Big 12 for the second time in three seasons. But the Wildcats struggled down the stretch, losing three of their final four games and eclipsing 21 points just once in November. Rutgers is the hotter team, overcoming a rough midseason stretch to win three of its final four. Opt-outs and portal entries likely will be pivotal for both teams, but the potential running back matchup of Rutgers' Kyle Monangai and Kansas State's DJ Giddens is worth your attention. Kansas State has the more talented quarterback in Avery Johnson, although Athan Kaliakmanis played well down the stretch. Although Rutgers' opt-out potential concerns me, the vibes are better with the Scarlet Knights entering this one."
Covers: Kansas State
Douglas Farmer writes: "Taking that approach against Kansas State will be the Arizona embodiment of running into a brick wall. The Wildcats rank No. 6 in the country in defensive rushing success rate, allowing opponents to stay ahead of the chains just 35% of the time. Once we recognize what Rutgers's frustration will be, the question becomes simple: Can Kansas State score enough to stay ahead by a touchdown? The Wildcats were expected to contend in the Big 12 thanks to one of the best rushing backfields in the country. They were undone by an offensive line that was not inherently up to the task."
Tickets to the GameAbove Sports Bowl with StubHubRate Bowl odds, lines: Rutgers vs. Kansas State
The Kansas State Wildcats are favorites to defeat the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, according to the BetMGM college football odds.
Odds as of evening of Wednesday, Dec. 25.
- Spread: Kansas State (-7)
- Moneylines: Kansas State (-250); Rutgers (+210)
- Over/under: 51.5
How to watch Rutgers vs. Kansas State in the Rate Bowl
- Date: Thursday, Dec. 26
- Time: 5:30 p.m. ET
- TV: ESPN
- Stream: Fubo
- Where: Chase Field (Phoenix, AZ)
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