The college football bowl season moves to Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona, for the Rate Bowl featuring the Rutgers Scarlet Knights against the Kansas State Wildcats .
The Scarlet Knights began the regular season with an unexpected surge, winning four consecutive games. Despite a subsequent four-game losing streak, they persevered and finished with a 7-5 record, earning a spot in the bowl. The team is led by Athan Kaliakmanis , who demonstrated his skill with a 54.8% completion rate, 2,459 yards, 17 touchdowns, and six interceptions. He is complemented by running back Kyle Monangai, who rushed for 1,279 yards and scored 13 touchdowns, earning first-team All-Big Ten honors.
Despite the Wildcats’ aspirations for a Big 12 title, the season did not unfold as expected, resulting in an 8-4 record. However, the team’s sophomore quarterback, Avery Johnson , showed promise, completing 202 of 342 pass attempts for 2,517 yards, along with 22 touchdowns and nine interceptions. This performance hints at a bright future for the Wildcats.