Kansas State football vs Rutgers live score updates: Wildcats close the season in Rate Bowl

Posted by author December 25, 2024 Football

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Kansas State football limped to the finish line of the regular season with three losses in its last four games but has a chance to finish on a high note against Rutgers in the Rate Bowl, which kicks off at 4:30 p.m. central Thursday at Chase Field in Phoenix.

If the Wildcats (8-4) prevail, it would give them a third straight nine-win season and back-to-back bowl victories for the first time under head coach Chris Klieman. Rutgers (7-5), which won three of its last four regular-season games is seeking a second straight bowl triumph as well.

K-State will try to jumpstart an offense that dropped off significantly during the November slump. The Wildcats will have to make it happen without leading rusher DJ Giddens (1,343 yards, 7 touchdowns), who declared for the NFL Draft, as well as starting right tackle Carver Willis and wide receiver Keagan Johnson, both of whom decided to transfer.

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For K-State, that should mean a greater role for running backs Dylan Edwards and Joe Jackson, not to mention sophomore quarterback Avery Johnson, who last year led the Wildcats to a 28-19 Pop-Tarts Bowl victory over North Carolina State in his first career start.

Likewise, Rutgers announced Tuesday that All-Big Ten running back Kyle Monagai (1,279 yards, 13 TDs) has opted out to focus on the NFL Draft. The Scarlet Knights also lost their defensive coordinator Joe Harasymiak, who left to take the head coaching job at UMass.

Follow along below for live score and news updates during the game.

Kansas State vs Rutgers score updates

This section will be updated when the game begins.

Kansas State vs Rutgers game time today

Date: Thursday, Dec. 26
Time: 4:30 p.m. Central
Location: Chase Field, Phoenix

What channel is Kansas State vs Rutgers game on today?

Kansas State vs Rutgers prediction

Both teams will be without their leading rushers after DJ Giddens for K-State and Rutgers’ Kyle Monagai opted out to enter the NFL Draft. Rutgers also faces the challenge of losing its defensive coordinator. Look for the Wildcats to prevail, if not cover the full touchdown spread.

Prediction: Kansas State 28, Rutgers 24

Kansas State vs Rutgers betting odds

Game lines and odds from BetMGM as of Thursday:

Spread: Kansas State -7
Over/under: 50.5 points

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Arne Green is based in Salina and covers Kansas State University sports for the Gannett network. He can be reached at agreen@gannett.com or on Twitter at @arnegreen.