Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Kansas State Wildcats 12/26/24 – The Rutgers Scarlet Knights and the Kansas State Wildcats have had their fair share of losses and wins but the most exciting part is that they are all set to play against each other in the Rate Bowl at Chase Field. The Rutgers Scarlet Knights have had a shaky start to the season with ups and downs whereas Kansas State holds a slightly better record. With both teams looking to secure one last win from this season, this match has great potential for thrill and excitement.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Kansas State Wildcats 12/26/24
| When: | Thursday, December 26, 2024, at 5:30 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | Chase Field |
| TV: | ESPN |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scarlet Knights | +7 (-120) | 50.5 Over -110 | +210 |  |
| Wildcats | -7 (+100) | 50.5 Under -110 | -250 | |
| ||||
The final game.
For each other. pic.twitter.com/O6LA8se4sR
— Rutgers Football (@RFootball) December 26, 2024
Kansas State enters as a touchdown favorite, backed by a moneyline of -250. Rutgers’ spread at +7 with a favorable ATS record against Big 12 teams provides value. The total of 50.5 hints at a balanced game, with recent trends favoring the under, especially for Kansas State’s December performances.
Athan Kaliakmanis QB vs. Avery Johnson QB
Rutgers’ Athan Kaliakmanis has had a season of growth, accumulating 2,459 yards with 17 touchdown passes against six interceptions. However, while his 54.8% completion percentage points to some inefficiencies, he compensates for it with the ability to hit on big plays which keeps the Scarlet Knights within the game. Turning to Kyle Monangai and Dymere Miller will be fundamental against Kansas State’s defense.
On the other hand, Kansas State’s Avery Johnson has put out a better statistical season, accruing 2,517 yards with 22 touchdowns and a pass rating of 136.9. Therefore, he is regarded as a dual threat given his ability to run around the pocket and throw accurate deep passes. With DJ Giddens and Jayce Brown to assist him, Johnson knows how to take advantage of the holes in the Rutgers’ defense.
Rutgers Fights for an Upset
The Scarlet Knights have emerged victorious in three out of their last five encounters, the most one-sided of them being a 41-14 blitzing of Michigan State. Kyle Monangai is the star of the offense with his 1,279 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns while Dymere Miller’s 731 receiving yards also provide help. Although they lost to Illinois and USC, Rutgers at times has looked good on especially the run.
Kansas State Looks to Bounce Back
The last five games for Kansas State ended in a split with them defeating Cincinnati and Kansas but losing to Iowa State and Arizona State. DJ Giddens’ 1343 rushing yards have been crucial as has Jayce Brown’s staggering 18.2 yards per catch, which provides a deep threat. The Kansas State Wildcats were not competitive on the defensive end of the court in close games and will need to make some adjustments.
Trends
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Betting Trends
The total has gone OVER in 6 of their last 7 games.
4-2 ATS in their last 6 games against Big 12 opponents.
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of their last 10 December games.
4-16 SU in their last 20 games as an underdog.
Kansas State Wildcats Betting Trends
1-4 ATS in their last 5 games.
14-6 SU in their last 20 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of their last 11 December games.
13-4 SU in their last 17 games as a favorite.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Kansas State Wildcats Betting Prediction
Taking into consideration Kansas State’s strength as a favorite and Rutgers’ track record as an underdog, the balance of wins appears to be in favor of the Wildcats. On the other hand, considering the way Rutgers has been able to dominate the ground game of late, I don’t see them getting rolled over. One would also think the under is worth a look taking into account the historical performance of both the teams in the month of December while keeping in mind Kansas State’s ability to control the time.
It will be expected for Kansas State to utilize the efficiency of Avery Johnson and the bulldozing running of DJ Giddens to push out a victory. Looking at Giddens’ props on rushing yards and possibly a parlay of Kansas State ML and the under could also have some merit.
Score Prediction: Kansas State Wildcats 27, Rutgers Scarlet Knights 20.
