The Kansas State Wildcats capped off their season with a thrilling 44-41 comeback victory over the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in the Rate Bowl, held at the Arizona Diamondbacks' Chase Field in Phoenix on Thursday. The Wildcats fought back from a 17-point deficit, leaving fans on the edge of their seats and showcasing what has become their signature resilience.
Rutgers entered halftime with a comfortable 27-17 lead, and when they pushed that advantage to 34-17 early in the third quarter, it seemed like the Scarlet Knights might run away with it. However, the Wildcats had other plans. Fueled by explosive plays and critical defensive stops, Kansas State clawed their way back into the game. The defining moment came when running back Dylan Edwards dashed for a 36-yard touchdown with just 4:15 remaining in the fourth quarter, giving Kansas State its first lead since the opening quarter at 44-41.
"I think our guys were believing," Kansas State linebacker Austin Moore reflected after the game. "Once we started playing faster, sending more pressure, everyone really bought in. That’s when we felt the momentum shift in our favor."
The Wildcats’ comeback was made possible by a series of key moments, including a two-point conversion that saw quarterback Avery Johnson connect with Garrett Oakley to push the lead to 44-41. With time running out, Rutgers couldn’t mount a response. Their final drive faltered as they failed to reach midfield and turned the ball over on downs with just 1:55 left in the game. Johnson sealed the victory with a six-yard run to secure a first down, then took a knee twice to run out the clock.
Kansas State's offensive star was undoubtedly Dylan Edwards, who stepped up in a big way with 18 carries for 196 yards and three touchdowns. The sophomore, filling in for the Wildcats' top rusher DJ Giddens, who declared for the NFL draft, helped lead the No. 18-ranked rushing attack in the country. Kansas State finished the game with an impressive 347 yards rushing, far outpacing Rutgers' 164.
"I played the whole season," Edwards said when asked about his increased role in the Rate Bowl. "It wasn’t like I was waiting for my time. I was just doing my part for the team. Today, I had a bigger job to do, and I stayed focused on executing. As long as I did my job, I knew we’d be successful."
Quarterback Avery Johnson also had an impactful game, completing 15 of 30 passes for 195 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception. He was a critical part of the Wildcats’ offensive resurgence in the second half. Defensively, Kansas State was anchored by Austin Romaine, who recorded seven tackles, and Austin Moore, who added six tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss.
On the other side, Rutgers' top performers included freshman running back Antwan Raymond, who rushed for 113 yards and three touchdowns on 18 carries. Wide receiver Strong was also a standout, catching five passes for 105 yards. Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis had a solid performance as well, completing 14 of 32 passes for 237 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Despite the loss, the Scarlet Knights finished their season with a respectable 7-6 record and ninth place in the Big Ten standings.
Rutgers' head coach, Greg Schiano, reflected on his team’s resilience, noting how the Scarlet Knights fought through adversity all season long. "I lost count of the number of season-ending injuries we had, and in today’s college football, most teams would have packed it in," Schiano said. "But this group of guys fought back. They literally ripped themselves off the canvas and found a way to win seven games in the Big Ten. I’m proud of them."
For Kansas State, the win marked a successful end to an up-and-down season. The Wildcats finished with a 9-4 record, but it wasn’t all smooth sailing. After starting the season 7-1 and climbing as high as No. 15 in the national rankings, Kansas State struggled in the latter part of the season, losing three of their final four games. Despite this, they finished eighth in the Big 12 standings, surpassing preseason expectations.
Head coach Chris Klieman expressed pride in his team's achievements. "I know there’s some disappointment, but let’s not forget – not many teams win nine games," Klieman said. "We just won nine games, and you’re gonna talk about disappointment? It’s frickin' hard to win, and what these guys did to secure that ninth win, I’m incredibly proud of them."
Looking ahead, Klieman is also cheering for Arizona State in the College Football Playoff. ASU, the only Big 12 team to make the playoffs this year, will face Texas in the Jan. 1 Peach Bowl. Klieman, who is familiar with ASU head coach Kenny Dillingham and has friends on the coaching staff, expressed his excitement about the matchup. "We know our league plays great football, and I can’t wait to watch Arizona State play," Klieman said. "I’m a big fan of Dillingham, and I’m confident they’ll be ready."
As for K-State fans, many of them share Klieman’s sentiment, especially when it comes to the matchup against Texas, a former Big 12 powerhouse now competing in the SEC. K-State fan Cole Copeland, who attended the Rate Bowl, didn’t hold back on his feelings about the Longhorns. "I don’t care for Texas after they left the Big 12, and I hope they lose," Copeland said. "I know they have a ton of talent, but anything can happen. I think Arizona State has a solid team. They went 11-1 with their starting quarterback, and I think they can keep it within 12 and a half points."
Texas enters the game as the favorite, with a 13.5-point spread, but with the intensity and unpredictability of college football, anything is possible.
In the end, the Kansas State Wildcats’ victory in the Rate Bowl serves as a reminder of the thrilling unpredictability of college football. From explosive plays and unforgettable comebacks to coaches rallying behind their teams, it’s a sport that continues to captivate fans and deliver unforgettable moments. As K-State finishes their season with a hard-fought win, the focus shifts to the future, with high hopes for next season and an eye on the College Football Playoff, where the Wildcats will be cheering on their fellow conference member, Arizona State.
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