Kansas State and Rutgers will face off in this year’s version of the Rate Bowl, formerly known as the Insight Bowl. Assuming most players play and not opt out, this is a solid matchup in the desert. This year’s Rate Bowl is the only bowl matchup between the Big Ten and the Big 12 conferences. Rutgers enters the game with more momentum, winning three of its final four games of the regular season. Kansas State started very well this year before slowing in the second half of the season, going 3-3 over the final six games. The running game will be key, with both teams boasting a top-flight runner (assuming they both suit up for the game).
Rutgers coach Greg Schiano may be going back to his roots on the defensive side of the ball. Defensive coordinator Joe Harasymiak departed Rutgers after the season to become the head coach at UMass. Schiano did not reveal who would be calling the defense for the Rate Bowl. In his Sunday presser, he noted that the situation is fluid and said “We have plenty of good coaches that can call the defense.”
Kansas State (8-4) and Rutgers (7-5) Face Off in Rate Bowl
When & Where: Thursday, December 26th, 5:30 pm ET, in Phoenix, Arizona (Chase Field)
Last Game’s Results: Kansas State lost its last regular season game, 29-21 at Iowa State. Rutgers closed out the regular season with a win, defeating Michigan State 41-14 on the road.
Regular Season Results: These two teams found themselves on opposite trajectories this season. Kansas State finished the year with a record of 8-4 and peaked at #13 in the Top 25 rankings. The Wildcats started at 7-1 but finished 3-3 in the final six games. On the other hand, Rutgers (7-5 overall) started 4-4 before going 3-1 down the home stretch.
Series History: This is only the second time these teams will face off. In the 2006 Texas Bowl, Rutgers defeated Kansas State 37-10.
Bowl History: Kanas State has played 25 bowl games, winning 11. The Wildcats have alternated wins and losses in their last four bowl games and won last year’s Pop-Tarts Bowl 28-19 over NC State. Rutgers has played in 12 bowl games so far, winning seven. Last season, the Scarlet Knights defeated Miami 31-24 in the Pinstripe Bowl. This is the second time that Rutgers has played in the Rate Bowl. The first time, when it was still the Insight Bowl, was the first bowl game of Schiano’s first tenure with the Scarlet Knights in 2005.
Kansas State Takes on Rutgers in Rate Bowl: Key Players to Watch
Kansas State Running Back DJ Giddens
The Kansas State offense is fueled by its rushing attack. That ability to move the chains on the ground is highlighted by DJ Giddens. As head coach Chris Klieman commented in his Sunday press conference, “Running the football has been our staple.” Giddens leads the Wildcats this season, producing 1,343 yards on 205 carries, an average of just over six-and-a-half yards per carry. His seven touchdowns led the team, and he topped 100 yards rushing in seven of 12 games.
Speaking specifically of Giddens, Klieman called him a “pure every down running back. He’s got really good hands out of the backfield.” Catching the ball out of the backfield, Giddens is third on the team with 21 catches and 258 yards receiving and has a receiving touchdown as well. For his efforts this season, Giddens received second-team All-Big 12 honors.
It is still to be confirmed if Giddens will suit up for the Rate Bowl. Assuming he does, he can have a big day against the Rutgers rushing defense. His ability to combine this with the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield makes him a player to watch.
Rutgers Running Back Kyle Monangai
Kyle Monangai has been a major contributor to the Rutgers offense over the past few seasons. He has run for 1,279 yards on 256 carries, an average of five yards per carry. He added 13 rushing touchdowns. Through the air, Monangai had 14 catches on the year, with one receiving touchdown. For his efforts, Monangai was rewarded with first-team All-Big Ten honors.
Rutgers has produced quality running backs in recent history. This started with Ray Rice. Rice helped define the success of Schiano’s first tenure at Rutgers. He went on to have a successful NFL career including a Super Bowl ring. Another strong rusher with Rutgers ties is Isaiah Pacheco. At Rutgers, Pacheco rushed for 2,442 yards and 18 touchdowns in four seasons. He has gone on to success at the NFL level, including a Super Bowl championship with the Chiefs.
Monangai is likely to play in the Rate Bowl, which would not be a surprise. He has consistently put the team first and has been a great leader for Rutgers. Monangai will look to close out his college career on a high note. Speaking of Monangai, Schiano said, “He’s an even better person than he is a football player. He’s a great example for our program.”
Having a first-team All-Big Ten selection in the backfield would elevate any offense. Monangai’s ability to make plays against the Kansas State defense, which boasts Defensive Lineman of the Year and first-team All-Big 12 defensive lineman Brendan Mott, makes him a player to watch in this game.
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