Kansas State Wildcats pulled off a thrilling come-from-behind victory, edging out the Rutgers Scarlet Knights 44-41 at the Rate Bowl, held at Chase Field, Phoenix on December 26, 2024. The game was marked by high stakes and intense competition, reflecting both teams’ aspirations for securing bowl supremacy.
After finding themselves down by as much as 17 points late in the first half, the Wildcats showcased their resilience by staging one of the most exciting comebacks of the bowl season. Trailing 34-17 at one point, K-State’s defense tightened and the offense came alive, turning the tide of the game. Led by standout performances, especially from running back Dylan Edwards and quarterback Avery Johnson, Kansas State's offense unleashed its potential, scoring 27 unanswered points.
The game kicked off with Kansas State taking the lead early, courtesy of Chris Tennant’s 29-yard field goal. But Rutgers responded quickly, reclaiming the edge with a 2-yard touchdown run. The back-and-forth scoring continued as K-State’s Johnson dashed for his first of three touchdowns, putting the Wildcats back on top 10-7. Yet the Scarlet Knights wouldn't back down, scoring 10 points within three minutes to surge to a 17-10 advantage.
Kansas State countered with another touchdown, tying the game at 17-17, before Rutgers grasped control again and solidified their 27-17 lead at halftime. Antwan Raymond's two rushing touchdowns were instrumental for Rutgers, keeping them competitive and aggressive.
Coming out of halftime, Rutgers extended their lead to 41-29, driven by Raymond’s third touchdown. But Kansas State, refusing to accept defeat, answered back with relentless determination. Avery Johnson connected with wideout Jadon Jackson for another touchdown, making it 41-36.
It was the Wildcats’ young star, Dylan Edwards, who emerged as the game-changer. With electrifying burst, he executed a jaw-dropping 65-yard touchdown run, bringing Kansas State to within one touchdown of their opponents. Edwards, who demonstrated his playmaking ability throughout the game, became pivotal during the final quarter. The Wildcats managed to reclaim the lead for the first time since the early second quarter following Edwards' impressive 36-yard touchdown run.
With K-State’s two-point conversion succeeding, the Wildcats surged to take the game 44-41, wrapping up the season on a high note with their second straight bowl victory and finishing with a commendable 9-4 record. The game also marked Kansas State’s strong offensive capacity, underscored by their 197.4 rushing yards per game this season, which they had to adapt as they played without leading rusher DJ Giddens, who declared for the NFL Draft.
Edwards completed the night with 196 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries, not only solidifying his role as the lead back but also lighting the way for the Wildcats' triumphant finish. Johnson's polished performance included three touchdowns through the air and one on the ground, emphasizing his dual-threat capabilities. With 195 passing yards completed, he orchestrated the offense effectively, mostly targeting Jayce Brown, who led the receiving corps with 60 yards.
Overall, Kansas State’s offensive diversity and strategic adjustments led to pivotal scoring plays during the second half, including overcoming mental and physical obstacles faced throughout the game. With this win, the Wildcats confirmed not just their talent but also the coaching mastery at play, giving them momentum headed toward the next season.
While the Scarlet Knights displayed commendable prowess and spirit during the initial phases of the game, their inability to sustain leads against K-State's offensive revival highlighted areas for improvement moving forward. The matchup served as both teams’ opportunity to showcase their season’s resolve and resilience, particularly Kansas State, who seem to have positioned themselves as contenders for future successes.
The Rate Bowl victory signifies more than just another game won; it encapsulates the hard work, determination, and potential present within the Kansas State program, leaving fans eager to watch how they could build on this success as they aim for even higher aspirations next season.
