Rutgers vs Kansas State Prediction, Pick & Odds – Rate Bowl (Dec. 26)

• Bowl season continues this Christmas week with The Rate Bowl featuring the Rutgers Scarlet Knights and the Kansas State Wildcats
• The Wildcats are 7-point favorites on Thursday evening
• See the Rutgers vs Kansas State prediction, picks, and odds on Dec. 26

Dry conditions and some clouds from Phoenix will greet the teams when Rutgers (7-5, 6-5-1 ATS) and Kansas State (8-4, 4-8 ATS) meet in the Rate Bowl at Chase Park in Phoenix, Arizona. The Scarlet Knights have been around a touchdown underdog since the numbers opened. Action gets underway at 5:30 pm ET, televised on ESPN.

Rutgers vs Kansas State Odds

This is a pretty solid line for two schools who do not play often against each other. Are the Wildcats getting a few too many points? Maybe Kansas State is a 7-point favorite because of their offense.

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Odds as of Dec. 26 at FanDuel Sportsbook. Be sure to claim the FanDuel Sportsbook promo code before making a bet on any college football bowl action.

Kansas State dropped three of their last four contests, while Rutgers have won three of their previous four. Meanwhile, Rutgers dropped a tight game at home against Illinois. Things may have been different spread-wise if the Scarlet Knights had held that lead.

Watch out for those ever-changing NCAAF injuries and opt-outs. Both teams have some notable players in the portal or injured. Rutgers has 10 players here, but only one who will be heading into the transfer portal. Can the Scarlet Knights find a way to keep this within the target?

Rutgers Is A Little Banged Up

With nine players injured, that spells a bit of a problem for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. Now, this could pose a problem for bettors and fans alike. Rutgers may need to rely on its depth more than anyone could have imagined. Yes, that game total of 50 may inch a little downward even.

Simply put, both teams seem to be trending in opposite directions, but one never quite knows. Greg Schiano seems to have his Rutgers team ready. Rutgers could miss all three of their tight ends for this game. Their leading TE has a total of 137 receiving yards. Athan Kaliakmanis transferred from Minnesota and enjoyed a solid season for the Scarlet Knights, but about those injuries…

#NCAAFB – Injuries 🤖

– Biggest Injuries in College Football This Weekend:
– Mohamed Toure (DE, Rutgers): ACL tear, season-ending, 10-12 months recovery.
– Charles Jagusah (LT, Notre Dame): Pec tear, season-ending, 4-6 months recovery.
– CJ Baxter (RB, Texas): MCL and PCL…

— MONEYLINE (@stateschoolgrad) December 13, 2024

Now, the Toure injury is a big one for a Rutgers team that relies on their defensive front seven to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks. However, the injuries may make it more challenging to slow down Avery Johnson’s run-pass option plays.

Finally, it was thought that Kyle Monangai might play. However, Greg Schiano announced early on Tuesday that his star running back would not see action at the Rate Bowl.

Kansas State Has An Edge But…

For Kansas State, Johnson presents numerous matchup problems for Rutgers. The Wildcats get to see most of their receiving corps but have lost Jayce Brown to the transfer portal. Yes, 763 receiving yards and five touchdowns goes out the window. Those are team highs for the Wildcats.

Offensively, the depth may be a big problem for the Scarlet Knights to deal with, as Johnson expects to run more on Thursday. DJ Giddens gained almost 1,400 yards rushing and more than 1,600 total from scrimmage. The Wildcats averaged 5.9 yards per carry overall. Rutgers gives up 4.9 yards per run. That could bode well for Kansas State.

Will Kansas State have enough weapons to pull off a cover?

Rutgers vs Kansas State Prediction

• Rutgers +7 at FanDuel
• Under 52 at FanDuel

Honestly, this game could go in any number of directions. Avery Johnson and performing under pressure tend not to mix. If there is a play to take a risk on, it may be that Rutgers at +6,5 or even +7.

Again, Rutgers wants to keep the score down enough. Antwan Raymond could provide a surprising spark against a Kansas State team that gives up plenty of chunk plays. Do not be surprised.