The 2024 Rate Bowl promises to be a thrilling college football matchup, bringing together two distinct college football powerhouses: the Rutgers Scarlet Knights from the Big Ten and the Kansas State Wildcats from the Big 12. This highly anticipated game will take place on Saturday, December 28, at the iconic Chase Field Stadium in Phoenix, Arizona.
For both teams, this game represents an opportunity to make history and build on their football legacies, especially given the unique significance of the Rate Bowl. This game marks only the second-ever meeting between Rutgers and Kansas State, with both teams looking to leave their mark on this exciting postseason matchup.
The 2024 Rate Bowl: An Exciting Big Ten vs. Big 12 Showdown
This year’s Rate Bowl stands out as the only Big Ten vs. Big 12 matchup of the bowl season, adding an extra layer of intrigue for college football fans. The 2024 contest will not only feature two teams from different power conferences but also provide an excellent opportunity for these programs to demonstrate their talent on a national stage.
Rutgers and Kansas State have faced each other only once before—back in the 2006 Texas Bowl, where Rutgers triumphed with a dominant 37-10 victory. However, much has changed since then, and both teams will look to prove their worth in this exciting contest.
As we delve deeper into this matchup, let’s explore how each team arrived at the 2024 Rate Bowl and what fans can expect in the coming showdown.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights: A Strong Finish to the 2024 Season
Rutgers enters the 2024 Rate Bowl with renewed confidence after a strong finish to their regular season. With a 7-5 record overall, the Scarlet Knights secured their second consecutive bowl appearance, marking a significant achievement for the program. This bowl invitation is especially significant, as it represents their 13th bowl game appearance in history.
The Scarlet Knights showed resilience throughout the season, particularly in the latter part of the year. They finished strong, winning three of their last four games, including impressive victories over Minnesota and Maryland, which clinched their bowl eligibility.
Perhaps most notably, Rutgers closed out their regular season with a 41-14 rout of Michigan State, securing back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since 2011-12. This strong finish provides Rutgers with a solid foundation heading into the Rate Bowl, giving them the momentum they need to take on Kansas State.
Key Players: Athan Kaliakmanis and Kyle Monangai
Athan Kaliakmanis: The quarterback has been a standout performer for the Scarlet Knights this season. With 2,459 passing yards—the eighth-most in Rutgers history—Kaliakmanis has been instrumental in guiding his team to bowl eligibility. His ability to read defenses and make clutch throws has earned him recognition as one of the Big Ten’s top quarterbacks.
Kyle Monangai: The senior running back has been the engine of the Rutgers offense. With 1,279 rushing yards and 14 total touchdowns across 11 games, Monangai is having the best season of his career. His ability to consistently churn out yards, coupled with his vision and physicality, makes him a key player to watch in the 2024 Rate Bowl.
Rutgers’ ground attack, led by Monangai, will be crucial in this game. They’ll need to control the clock and keep Kansas State’s high-powered offense off the field. The combination of Monangai’s rushing power and Kaliakmanis’ passing accuracy gives Rutgers a dynamic offensive threat heading into the contest.
Kansas State Wildcats: A Consistent Power in the Big 12
Kansas State has been a consistent contender in the Big 12, making its fifth appearance in the Rate Bowl after a 35-17 victory over UCLA in 2017. The Wildcats are one of only eight FBS schools to win at least eight games in each of the past four seasons, proving their sustained excellence under head coach Chris Klieman.
With an 11-14 all-time bowl record, Kansas State has experienced both highs and lows in bowl games. However, their recent performances have shown that the Wildcats are more than capable of competing with top-tier teams, and their impressive record over the past several years indicates they are more than prepared for the challenge that Rutgers presents.
Kansas State’s Powerful Rushing Attack
Kansas State’s offensive identity is firmly grounded in their dominant rushing attack, which ranks 18th nationally with 204.5 rushing yards per game. This potent ground game is powered by an impressive trio of running backs:
DJ Giddens: With 1,343 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, Giddens has been a force for Kansas State. His ability to break tackles and consistently gain yards makes him a key player in this matchup. Giddens enters the postseason ranked 10th in the nation with 133.4 scrimmage yards per game.
Dylan Edwards: A versatile and explosive back, Edwards adds another dimension to Kansas State’s rushing attack. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield and turn short runs into long gains makes him a dual-threat that Rutgers must account for.
Avery Johnson: The quarterback for Kansas State, Johnson is also a dual-threat player who can beat teams with both his arm and his legs. With 548 rushing yards and six touchdowns, he ranks second on the team in rushing and is a constant threat for any defense.
Kansas State’s ability to control the ground game and move the ball efficiently will be a critical factor in their success in the 2024 Rate Bowl. The Wildcats’ ability to run the football with such authority gives them an edge over many teams, and they’ll look to impose their will on the Scarlet Knights in the trenches.
Defensive Standouts: Brendan Mott and Austin Romaine
Kansas State’s defense is equally formidable, led by standout players like Brendan Mott and Austin Romaine.
Brendan Mott: Mott was named the Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year after leading the Big 12 with 8.5 sacks this season. His ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks and wreak havoc in the backfield will be essential in limiting Rutgers’ offensive rhythm.
Austin Romaine: Romaine’s leadership and production were pivotal for Kansas State’s defense in 2024. With 89 total tackles, the most by a Wildcats defender since 2017, and three forced fumbles, Romaine’s presence will be crucial in both stopping the run and defending the pass.
Kansas State’s defense has the tools to challenge Rutgers’ offense. The Wildcats’ ability to apply pressure on the quarterback and disrupt plays will be a key to their success in the 2024 Rate Bowl.
The 2024 Rate Bowl: A Unique College Football Experience at Chase Field Stadium
One of the most exciting aspects of the 2024 Rate Bowl is the venue itself—Chase Field Stadium in Phoenix, Arizona. Typically a baseball park, Chase Field will be transformed into a premier college football venue for this one-of-a-kind bowl game. Fans will be treated to a unique setting that combines the best of college football and Major League Baseball, offering an unforgettable experience both on and off the field.
The transformation of Chase Field into a football venue is no small feat. The stadium’s seating capacity will be packed with enthusiastic fans from both Rutgers and Kansas State, eager to cheer on their teams in a game that promises to be full of action. This game will not only feature on-the-field excitement but also a fan-friendly environment that emphasizes the best traditions of college football.
“The 2024 Rate Bowl is shaping up to be one of the most exciting bowl games this season, and we are thrilled to host both teams in such a unique and special venue,” said Judy Bernas, Chair of the Fiesta Sports Foundation Board. “Fans can expect an unforgettable experience that goes beyond the game itself.” 2024 Rate Bowl: Key Matchups and Predictions for Rutgers vs. Kansas State
As we approach the 2024 Rate Bowl, anticipation is building for what promises to be an exciting showdown between the Rutgers Scarlet Knights and the Kansas State Wildcats. With both teams bringing significant strengths and notable players to the table, fans are in for a thrilling matchup at Chase Field Stadium in Phoenix, Arizona, on Saturday, December 28. In this section, we’ll dive deeper into the key matchups that could determine the outcome of this game, and offer predictions on how things might unfold.
Key Matchups to Watch
Rutgers’ Ground Attack vs. Kansas State’s Rush Defense
One of the most intriguing battles in this 2024 Rate Bowl will be Rutgers’ running game versus Kansas State’s rush defense. The Scarlet Knights boast one of the most potent ground attacks in the Big Ten, led by senior running back Kyle Monangai, who racked up 1,279 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns this season. Monangai’s ability to churn out yards and control the tempo of the game will be crucial for Rutgers’ success.
On the flip side, Kansas State is known for its physical defense, particularly its front seven. While the Wildcats’ rush defense has been solid this season, they face a formidable challenge in slowing down Monangai, who is having the best season of his career. The Kansas State defense is anchored by Brendan Mott, a disruptive force who earned Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year honors for his impressive 8.5 sacks.
The key here will be whether Kansas State’s defense can contain Monangai and force quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis into passing situations. If the Wildcats can shut down the running game early, they’ll have a strong chance to disrupt Rutgers’ offensive flow.
Kansas State’s Rushing Attack vs. Rutgers’ Defensive Front
Kansas State enters the 2024 Rate Bowl with one of the most dominant rushing offenses in the country, ranking 18th nationally with 204.5 rushing yards per game. Powered by DJ Giddens, Dylan Edwards, and quarterback Avery Johnson, the Wildcats’ rushing attack is a force to be reckoned with. Giddens, in particular, has had a standout season, rushing for 1,343 yards and seven touchdowns.
Rutgers will need to be at its best defensively to slow down Kansas State’s ground game. Their defensive line and linebackers will be tested, particularly against the powerful Giddens, who is known for his ability to break tackles and push for extra yards. Austin Romaine, a standout linebacker for Kansas State, will also be key in trying to stop the Scarlet Knights’ defense from being caught off guard by explosive plays from the Wildcats.
Rutgers has shown flashes of strong run defense this season, but they will need to be disciplined to avoid being overwhelmed by the Wildcats’ multiple rushing threats.
Quarterback Play: Athan Kaliakmanis vs. Avery Johnson
When it comes to quarterback play, Athan Kaliakmanis of Rutgers and Avery Johnson of Kansas State will be key players to watch. Kaliakmanis, with 2,459 passing yards this season, has helped lead Rutgers to its second consecutive bowl appearance. He’ll need to showcase his ability to read Kansas State’s defense and make timely throws to keep the Wildcats on their heels.
Meanwhile, Avery Johnson is one of the most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks in the country. With 548 rushing yards and six touchdowns, Johnson is a legitimate threat on the ground, and his arm has proven capable of making big plays when necessary. His ability to extend plays with his legs and pick up critical first downs could be a game-changer for Kansas State in this contest.
The quarterback battle is likely to be one of the most significant factors in deciding the outcome of the game. Both quarterbacks have shown that they can lead their teams to victory in tight games, but whoever performs better under pressure will give their team the best chance to succeed.
Game Prediction: Who Will Come Out on Top?
Given the strengths of both teams, it’s difficult to predict a clear-cut winner, but there are a few key factors that will likely tip the scales.
Rutgers’ Offensive Line: If the Scarlet Knights’ offensive line can open up enough running lanes for Kyle Monangai and protect Athan Kaliakmanis in the passing game, they could control the tempo and wear down Kansas State’s defense. Look for Monangai’s ability to pick up yards on early downs to be crucial in establishing a balanced offensive attack.
Kansas State’s Defensive Line: The Wildcats will need to generate pressure up front with players like Brendan Mott to disrupt Rutgers’ passing game and force the Scarlet Knights into predictable passing situations. If Kansas State can neutralize Rutgers’ offensive line, it will make life much easier for their defense.
Special Teams: In a game this close, special teams can often be the difference. A big return or a well-timed field goal could provide the momentum shift needed to secure the win. Both teams have solid special teams units, so be prepared for the unexpected.
In the end, the Kansas State Wildcats seem to have a slight edge heading into the 2024 Rate Bowl due to their powerful rushing attack and experienced defense. However, if Rutgers can get their ground game going and control the tempo, they have a legitimate shot at pulling off the upset.
Fan Experience: A Unique Bowl Game at Chase Field
The 2024 Rate Bowl is not just about the action on the field; it’s about the experience for fans. Hosted at Chase Field, the bowl transforms a Major League Baseball stadium into a premier college football venue, offering a unique atmosphere for fans to enjoy. The stadium’s retractable roof ensures that the game will go on rain or shine, allowing for a comfortable viewing experience no matter the weather.
Judy Bernas, Chair of the Fiesta Sports Foundation, expressed her excitement for the event, stating:
“The 2024 Rate Bowl offers a one-of-a-kind experience for fans, and we can’t wait to see the passionate fan bases of both Rutgers and Kansas State in action. This is more than just a game; it’s a celebration of college football, family, and community.”
In addition to the game itself, fans can enjoy the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade, which will take place through Central Phoenix on December 28. The event is a highlight for college football fans, showcasing both teams and giving fans an opportunity to interact with players and coaches before the big game.
FAQs About the 2024 Rate Bowl
Q1: When and where will the 2024 Rate Bowl take place? The game will be held on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at Chase Field Stadium in Phoenix, Arizona.
Q2: Which teams are playing in the 2024 Rate Bowl? The Rutgers Scarlet Knights (Big Ten) will face the Kansas State Wildcats (Big 12) in this exciting bowl game.
Q3: How can I buy tickets for the 2024 Rate Bowl? Tickets can be purchased through the official Fiesta Bowl website, with all proceeds benefiting Fiesta Bowl Charities, which supports Arizona nonprofits.
Q4: What time does the game start? The official kickoff time will be announced closer to game day. Check the official Rate Bowl page for the latest updates.
