The Rutgers Scarlet Knights (7-6) took on the Kansas State Wildcats (9-4) in the Rate Bowl from Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona. Rutgers had a 27-17 lead at halftime but they struggled in the second half to lose to the Wildcats 44-41.
Rutgers had 401 yards (237 yards passing, 164 yards rushing), and 18 first downs. Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis completed 14 of 32 passes (43.8%) for 237 yards, one touchdown, one interception, and 11 carries for 18 yards.
Running back Antwan Raymond had 18 carries for 113 yards, one touchdown, and one catch for 16 yards, while Ja’shon Benjamin had seven carries for 33 yards, one touchdown, one catch for seven yards, and one touchdown.
Wide receiver Ian Strong made five catches for 105 yards, and K.J. Duff made three catches for 58 yards. Rutgers’s defense made 61 tackles, four tackles for loss, two sacks, one interception, and three pass breakups.
Kansas State had 535 yards on offense (195 yards passing, 340 yards rushing), and 22 first downs. Quarterback Avery Johnson completed 15 of 30 passes (50%) for 195 yards, three touchdowns, one interception, 10 carries for 51 yards, and one touchdown.
Running back Dylan Edwards had 18 carries for 196 yards, two touchdowns, two catches for 27 yards, and one touchdown, while Joe Jackson had six carries for 45 yards, three catches for 37 yards, and one touchdown.
Wide receiver Jayce Brown made five catches for 60 yards, while Garrett Oakley made two catches for 16 yards and one touchdown. Kansas State’s defense made 53 tackles, seven tackles for loss, four sacks, one interception, and five pass breakups.
