The Rutgers Scarlet Knights (7-5) head to Arizona to face the Kansas State Wildcats (8-4) in the Rate Bowl out in Phoenix. K-State opened as a -6.5 point favorite and the line has ticked up by the hook to -7.5. The OVER/UNDERE total opened at 50.5 and has inched up to 51.5.
We went back over a decade and after looking very carefully, we can tell you that these teams have not met in over 10 years.
Rutgers vs Kansas State Odds
Rutgers vs Kansas State, Dec. 26, 2:00 pm ET
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rutgers | +7 (-110) | +220 | O50.5 (-110) |
| Kansas State | -7 (-110) | -260 | U5.5 (-110) |
Rutgers vs Kansas State Rate Bowl pick
You know that we are big fans of the 'what have you done for me lately' category, which is why this -7 is a big number for a Kansas State team that has lost three of its last four to close the season. Rutgers has won three of its last four down the stretch and head coach Greg Schiano knows how to get his team ready for a bowl game. Last season, the Scarlet Knights were truly UGLY at the tail end of the season, and limped into the Pinstripe Bowl against Miami-Florida on an 0-4 run. Not only that, Rutgers was outscored 126-46, an average of 20 points per game. OUCH! Schiano then had one month to get his kids ready for the Pinstripe Bowl against Miami-Florida. Schiano had a month to get his kids ready and they beat the Hurricanes 31-24. Gimme some Scarlet.
Rutgers +7 (-110)
Greg Schiano is known as a tough defensive coach so he turned to Kirk Ciarrocca as his offensive coordinator and the results have been mostly delicious. After two stagnant games games against Nebraska and Wisconsin, where they scored just seven points in each, the O has started to party. They scored 32 points against UCLA, 20 against USC, 26 against Minnesota, 31 against Maryland and Illinois and closed with 41 points against Michigan State. Certainly not the cream of the Big Ten, but still, 181 points in six games (30 points per) is a thing. The explosion has been led by QB Athan Kaliakmanis. Kinda tough to pronounce his name, but the kid has been solid, hitting nine TDs with only one INT over the last five games. But it's the running game led by RB Kyle Monangai that is gobbling up precious yards and substantial minutes off the clock. Monangai has put together his second 1,000 yard season, busting through for 1,279 yards and 13 TDs.
K-State won seven of its first eight games, but starting with an early November game at Houston, a 24-19 loss, the Wildcats have struggled. The next week, they lost to Arizona State 24-14, beat a below average Cincinnati square 41-15, then finished with a 29-21 loss to Iowa State. State's QB Avery Johnson has been giving the opposition too many opportunities, throwing four INTs in his last four games. On the defensive side, the Wildcats have been very soft against the run, allowing 187 yards to Iowa State and 174 to Cincy. Not thinking about a gigantic drop, but will take a chunk out of the wallet for the Knights from Jersey.
Rutgers vs Kansas State Betting Trends
Rutgers has gone OVER in six of the last seven games.
Kansas State has covered only one of its last five on the road.
Kansas State has covered only four of its last 11 as a favorite.
