Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Kansas State Wildcats Pick & Prediction DECEMBER 26th 2024
Preview and Prediction
Learn from the experiences of Kansas State and Rutgers that bowl preparation is not what it used to be. The two teams are set to face off in the Rate Bowl on Thursday in Phoenix, but their to-do list for the month is extensive and varied.
Coaches must juggle game planning with recruiting and keeping track of their roster, as well as monitoring the transfer portal. To add to the challenge, both teams will be away from home playing on the day after Christmas.
According to Kansas State head coach Chris Klieman, the team's game planning time is limited due to the presence of transfer portal players on campus every day. He hopes that college football will find a solution to this issue in the near future.
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The matchup itself features two teams from the Big 12 and Big Ten conferences, both of which had higher aspirations at the start of the season.
Kansas State (8-4) began the season with a 7-1 record and had their sights set on competing for the Big 12 championship and a potential spot in the College Football Playoff. However, they stumbled in their final four games, losing three of them. Rutgers (7-5) also started the season strong with a 4-0 record, but then went on to lose four consecutive games.
The Wildcats are led by dual-threat quarterback Avery Johnson, who rushed for 548 yards (45.7 per game) and passed for 2,517 yards (209.8 per game) with a total of 28 touchdowns (22 passing and six rushing). Although DJ Giddens, who averaged 111.9 yards per game, will not be playing due to his decision to enter the NFL draft, the Wildcats still have a strong offense.
Kansas State places a high priority on their ground game, both offensively and defensively. They averaged 204.5 rushing yards per game, which was the third highest in the Big 12, and only allowed 114.9 rushing yards per game, the lowest in the conference.
Klieman stated that the team has managed to weather the storm created by the transfer portal, as the core of their best players have remained with the team. He expressed excitement for the young players who will have the opportunity to showcase their skills in the Rate Bowl.
On the other side, Rutgers has found success with a balanced offensive approach. They average 381.2 total yards per game and allow 381.5 yards per game. Their offense is split almost evenly between passing and rushing, with 204.9 yards through the air and 176.3 on the ground.
Their rushing attack is heavily reliant on Kyle Monangai, who averaged 116.3 yards per game and scored 13 of the team's 24 rushing touchdowns.
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Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanus has been the sole passer for Rutgers this season, completing 54.8% of his throws for 2,459 yards, 17 touchdowns, and six interceptions. His top targets are Dymere Miller (57 catches, 731 yards, four touchdowns) and Ian Strong (38 catches, 571 yards, five touchdowns).
Head coach Greg Schiano stated that the team has found their rhythm offensively and it is important to maintain that consistency. He also acknowledged the challenge that awaits them in Kansas State, a formidable opponent.
As the team transitions from development work to game planning, Schiano expressed excitement for the upcoming preparations and the opportunity to face a strong opponent.