Rutgers Scarlet Knights (7-5) vs. Kansas State Wildcats (8-4)
Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Kansas State Wildcats December 26 2024 – The Rate Bowl features the Kansas State Wildcats and the Rutgers Scarlet Knights that have a record of 7-5 each. Now, both teams want to end their seasons on a high note but their journeys so far have been entirely different. Rutgers who prides in being the underdogs will face the offensive juggernauts Kansas State a Big 12 powerhouse. This Thursday night clash at Chase Field has all the makings to be a dazzling duel between the two sides.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Kansas State Wildcats December 26 2024 Game Info
| When: | Thursday, December 26, 2024, at 5:30 PM ET |
| Where: | Chase Field, Phoenix, Arizona |
| TV: | ESPN |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Kansas State Wildcats Betting Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
| Rutgers | +210 | +7 (-120) | 50.5 Over (-110) |
| Kansas State | -250 | -7 (+100) | 50.5 Under (-110) |
Kansas State has been labeled the 7-point favorite due to their performance and offensive trifecta to the attacking front line. On the other hand, Rutgers has a +210 moneyline for those who are willing to risk, as they have maintained a good ATS against Big 12 teams. The total line of 50.5 is indicative of a game that is bound to see its fair share of defensive and attacking strategies, with the edge being on the under if the teams’ historical patterns are to be taken into consideration.
Athan Kaliakmanis QB vs. Avery Johnson QB
Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis’ stats also tell an interesting story. Kaliakmanis directed the offense for a major part of the season and finished with 2459 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions. Kaliakmanis’s combinations with top targets like Dymere Miller have been effective even though his completion percentage stands at 54.8%. The contest, which is expected to be a tough one for the Scarlet Knights, will depend on the quarterback’s ability to limit turnovers against a strong Kansas State defense. On the other hand, he was sacked 17 times which indicates that the offensive line was not able to provide him with sufficient protection.
Kansas State QB Avery Johnson also had a solid season, finishing with 2517 yards and 22 touchdowns but with a better completion percentage of 59.1%. With new recruit Jayce Brown averaging 18.2 yards per catch, Johnson is almost certain to have a brilliant season with the Wildcats, who will be able to create threats deep down the field. With only 11 sacks to his name this season, he has the ability to avoid pressure which puts him in good stead and makes him a vital asset to the team going forward.
Scarlet Knights Show Resilience Late in the Season
Rutgers finished the campaign with victories against Michigan State, Maryland, and Minnesota, winning these games with 41:14, 31:17, and 26:19 respectively. Running back Kyle Monangai is neat, having racked up 1,279 yards and 13 rushing touchdowns. Coupled with Miller’s receiving numbers, the Rutgers team looks well-balanced. But defeats against Illinois and USC where they scored 38-31 and 20-42 respectively revealed their shortcomings defensively, weaknesses which are crucial considering the offense of Kansas State.
Wildcats Lean on Offensive Firepower
Kansas State’s season has been nothing short of an adventure, finishing off with a massive victory against Cincinnati (41-15) but suffering narrow defeats against Iowa State (21-29) and Arizona State (14-24). DJ Giddens has been their key contributor on offense with 1,343 rushing yards and seven touchdowns beside him. Johnson and Brown also came up big in some crucial match situations for the team. The biggest challenge for the Wildcats would be to stop those dreadful lapses in defense that they showed in a few of the closely contested matches and would eventually help them win more games.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Betting Trends
Rutgers has thrived ATS, going 4-2 in their last six games against Big 12 opponents and 8-3 on Thursdays. The total has gone over in six of their last seven games, though December contests typically trend under, with nine of their last 10 staying below the line. As underdogs, the Scarlet Knights have struggled, winning just four of their last 20 games outright.
Kansas State Wildcats Betting Trends
Kansas State has gone 1-4 ATS in their last five games, but their 13-4 SU record as favorites highlights their consistency. December games and Thursday matchups trend under for the Wildcats, with eight of their last 11 December games and five straight Thursday contests hitting the under. Their ability to control the pace and capitalize on key moments will likely determine their success.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Kansas State Wildcats Betting Previews
This matchup showcases the offensive ruggedness and physicality of Rutgers with the explosive score-first attitude of Kansas State. Although Kansas State is a favorite coming into this matchup, the fact that Rutgers can fight above their weight means that the game can be even closer than the picked odds imply. Monangai is likely to be the one to test out the Wildcats’ defense while this tandem’s chances of determining the outcome for Kansas State are in the hands of Giddens and Johnson.
Taking the under at 50.5 is a good bet considering the defensive trends of both these squads in the month of December. Proposition bets regarding Monangai’s rushing yards or the number of receiving yards that Brown is going to achieve on the field can be helpful too. Kansas State’s history favors them to take this matchup, but the way Rutgers performed suggests they will force the spread to be noticed.
Score Prediction: Kansas State Wildcats 28, Rutgers Scarlet Knights 21.
