Kansas State (8-4) vs Rutgers (7-5)
Game Info: Thursday, December 26, 2024 at 5:30 pm (Chase Field)
Betting Odds: Kansas State -7 / Rutgers +7 --- Over/Under: 52.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights and Kansas State Wildcats meet Thursday in the college football Rate Bowl at Chase Field. Here’s a Rutgers vs Kansas State Prediction. This article will include a Rutgers vs Kansas State Pick.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Betting Preview
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights recently beat Maryland and Michigan State, and they lost to Illinois. The Rutgers Scarlet Knights have won 3 of their last 5 non-home games. Athan Kaliakmanis is completing 54.8 percent of his passes for 2,459 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions. Dymere Miller and Ian Strong have combined for 1,302 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns, while KJ Duff has 24 receptions.
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights ground game is averaging 176.3 yards per contest, and Kyle Monangai leads the way with 1,279 yards and 13 touchdowns. Defensively, Rutgers is allowing 23.8 points and 382.4 yards per game. Dariel Djabome leads the Rutgers Scarlet Knights with 102 tackles, Jordan Walker has 4 sacks and Shaquan Loyal has 2 interceptions.
Kansas State Wildcats Betting Preview
The Kansas State Wildcats recently lost to Arizona State and Iowa State, and they lost to Cincinnati. Kansas State has split its last 6 non-home games. Avery Johnson is completing 59.1 percent of his passes for 2,517 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions. Jayce Brown and Keagan Johnson have combined for 1,122 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns, while DJ Giddens has 21 receptions.
The Kansas State Wildcats ground game is averaging 204.5 yards per contest, and Giddens leads the way with 1,343 yards and 7 touchdowns. Defensively, Kansas State is allowing 21.9 points and 338.6 yards per game. Austin Romaine leads the Kansas State Wildcats with 89 tackles, Brendan Mott has 8.5 sacks and Marques Sigle has 3 interceptions.
Why the Kansas State Wildcats will win
- Kansas State has won five of its last six games against non-conference opponents.
- Kansas State has covered the spread in each of its last four December games as a favorite.
Total Points Facts
- Five of Rutgers' last six games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.
- Each of Kansas State's last three December games as a favorite have gone UNDER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- Kansas State ranks 16th among FBS teams for average point differential in third quarters this season (+4.3).
- Kansas State ranks 17th among FBS teams for rushing yards per game this season (204.5).
- Rutgers ranks 22nd among FBS teams for Q2 opponent points per game this season (5.7).
- Rutgers ranks 23rd among FBS teams for Q4 points per game this season (9.2).
Rutgers vs Kansas State Prediction
The Kansas State Wildcats are the better team and should be favored, but I do have to question their motivation. Kansas State had a great chance to play for a Big 12 title and a playoff spot but ended the season losing 3 of its last 4 games. The Rutgers Scarlet Knights had an up and down season, but they finished things strong to snag a bowl berth. Rutgers has a chance to win back-to-back bowl games in consecutive years for the first time in nearly two decades. I believe Rutgers is more excited to be here. Give me the free touchdown.
Randy’s Pick Rutgers +7
AUTHOR: Randy Chambers
