Rate Bowl: Rutgers vs. Kansas State Betting Analysis and Prediction
Game Overview
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights (7-5) will face the Kansas State Wildcats (8-4) in the Rate Bowl on December 26, 2024, at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona. Kansas State enters as a touchdown favorite, while Rutgers looks to build on their impressive finish to the season with a dominant win against Michigan State. Both teams feature strong rushing attacks, making this an intriguing matchup for bowl season.
Betting Odds
| Team | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rutgers Scarlet Knights | +7 (-115) | o51.5 (-115) | +215 |
| Kansas State Wildcats | -7 (-105) | u51.5 (-105) | -260 |
The total points line is set at 51.5, and both teams have shown the potential for high-scoring games in recent matchups. With strong offensive weapons on both sides, this game has the makings of a shootout.
Team Analysis
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Rutgers enters the Rate Bowl with a 7-5 record, finishing the season with an emphatic 41-14 victory over Michigan State. Led by quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (2,459 passing yards, 17 TDs), the Scarlet Knights possess a balanced offense capable of moving the ball through the air and on the ground. Running back Kyle Monangai is the centerpiece of their attack, with 1,279 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns this season.
Defensively, Rutgers has had mixed results, allowing 30+ points in four of their last six games. Their secondary has struggled against competent passing attacks, which could be a concern against Kansas State's Adrian Johnson.
Kansas State Wildcats
The Wildcats finished the season 8-4, but their form has been inconsistent, losing three of their last five games. Despite this, Kansas State boasts a powerful rushing attack led by Deuce Giddens, who tallied 1,343 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns. Quarterback Adrian Johnson has also been effective, throwing for 2,517 yards and 22 touchdowns.
Kansas State’s defense has been reliable for most of the season but showed vulnerabilities late in the year, allowing 20+ points in their final five games. This matchup against a balanced Rutgers offense may test their limits.
Recent Performance
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Rutgers went 3-2 in their final five games, with key wins over Michigan State and Maryland. Their offense averaged 33 points per game during this stretch, driven by Monangai’s rushing and Kaliakmanis’ ability to spread the ball to multiple receivers. However, the defense allowed an average of 28 points per game in the same span, showing their susceptibility to big plays.
Kansas State Wildcats
Kansas State struggled in their final five games, going 2-3, including losses to Iowa State and Arizona State. The Wildcats’ offense remained productive, averaging 27 points per game during this stretch, but their defense allowed nearly 30 points per game, raising concerns about their ability to contain Rutgers’ offense.
Head-to-Head Matchup
This will be the first meeting between these two programs in recent history. Both teams bring strengths in the rushing game, and the winner will likely be the one that controls the line of scrimmage and minimizes turnovers.
Betting Trends
- The total has gone over in four of Rutgers’ last six games.
- Kansas State has allowed 20+ points in five straight games.
- The total has gone over in three of Kansas State’s last five games.
- Rutgers is 2-1 ATS (against the spread) in their last three games as underdogs.
Prediction
This matchup has all the makings of a high-scoring game, with both teams boasting strong rushing attacks and inconsistent defenses. Kansas State’s offensive firepower, combined with Rutgers’ recent improvements on offense, points to a game where the total easily surpasses the 51.5-point line. Expect a back-and-forth contest where the offenses shine.
