On December 26, 2024, college football fans will turn their attention to Phoenix, Arizona, for the annual Rate Bowl clash featuring Kansas State and Rutgers. This game will cap off the season for both teams, each with compelling narratives hitting the field at Chase Field.
Kansas State, boasting an 8-4 record, has experienced ups and downs this season. The Wildcats began their campaign strong, winning seven of their first eight games. Their only early setback was against BYU, marking the start of their promising run. Despite this hot start, Kansas State faltered toward the end of the season, losing three of their last four games, including a challenging defeat against playoff-bound Arizona State. The Wildcats hope to turn the tides back in their favor with what would be their most significant win of the year.
Meanwhile, Rutgers enters the game with a 7-5 record, concluding their season on a rollercoaster ride. Starting the season with excitement, the Scarlet Knights surged to a 4-0 start, highlighted by impressive victories over Virginia Tech and Washington. Unfortunately, things took a turn when the team encountered difficulty, marked by four straight losses, causing fans to feel the pressure. Yet, Rutgers rallied, finishing the regular season strong thanks to wins against Minnesota, Maryland, and Michigan State, though their final game concluded with a near miss against Illinois, losing 38-31.
The Rate Bowl is set to kick off at 5:30 PM ET (2:30 PM PT), anticipated to attract significant viewership. ESPN will broadcast the match live, with veteran sports announcer Wes Durham handling the play-by-play alongside color analyst Tom Luginbill and sideline reporter Dana Boyle. Fans can also catch the game via live stream on Fubo, which offers new subscribers the opportunity for a free trial, allowing them to tune in without immediate commitment.
Chase Field, home to the Arizona Diamondbacks, will host this bowl game. Known for its state-of-the-art design, this 48,500-seat stadium features luxury amenities including 69 suites, six party boxes, and the unique retractable roof. This setup provides audiences with both comfort and quality viewing experiences as Kansas State and Rutgers battle it out on the field.
Adding to the excitement, the game will be available on SiriusXM with team-specific commentary. Kansas State fans can tune to channel 84, whereas Rutgers supporters can catch their play-by-play on channel 372. This allows fans to stay connected with their teams no matter where they are.
The Rate Bowl not only marks the culmination of the teams' seasons, but it also serves as both teams' opportunity to showcase their grit and determination on the national stage. Both Kansas State and Rutgers aim to lay claim to the victory, driven by their season-long journeys consisting of highs and lows.
With fans eagerly anticipating this showdown, the excitement around the Rate Bowl is palpable. Will Kansas State regain their early-season momentum and secure victory, or will Rutgers pull off the upset fueled by their late-season resurgence? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: December 26 is shaping up to be a day filled with thrilling college football action.
