Rate Bowl Recap: Kansas State Completes 17-Point Comeback To Defeat Rutgers
![Kansas State runningback Dylan Edwards (3) breaks a tackle from Rutgers safety Kaj Sanders (5) during first half of the Rate Bowl at Chase Field on Dec. 26, 2024, Phoenix. Kansas State runningback Dylan Edwards (3) breaks a tackle from Rutgers safety Kaj Sanders (5) during first half of the Rate Bowl at Chase Field on Dec. 26, 2024, Phoenix.](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_5149,h_2896,x_0,y_75/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/kstate/01jg2yq7d404x9vp366a.jpg)
It looked eerie for the Kansas State Wildcats in the third quarter of the Rate Bowl.
Then, Dylan Edwards happened. After he cut the lead to 10 in the third, he and the Wildcats offense never looked back. They completed a 17-point comeback in their victory over Rutgers. Here's how it went down Thursday night:
FIRST QUARTER
Rutgers running back Antwan Raymond put the Scarlet Knights up 7-3 midway through the first quarter. A few big runs by quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis highlighted the touchdown drive. Avery Johnson responded with a Wildcats touchdown drive with a red zone rush. He connected with his No. 1 receiver, Jayce Brown, twice on the drive.
SECOND QUARTER
Rutgers receiver Ian Strong hauled in a 60-yard reception but had to settle for a field goal to start the second quarter. On their next drive, Raymond's 65-yard run sets up the score by Ja'shon Benjamin to put the Scarlet Knights up 17-10.
The Wildcats tied it back up after Jayce Brown's 34-yard rush set up a Dylan Edwards touchdown reception. The offense got creative, utilizing receivers in the run game and the RBs out of the backfield.
Rutgers responded with another touchdown, beginning their 17-point onslaught. Raymond rushed for a 24-yard touchdown to regain the lead. Rutgers added a 48-yard field goal after intercepting Johnson.
THIRD QUARTER
The Rutgers took advantage of Kansas State penalties on both sides, driving down the field and increasing their third-quarter lead to 17. Things started to look grim for Kansas State, to which Edwards broke off a 65-yard touchdown right out of the gate. The Wildcats got back into their offensive rhythm with a Garrett Oakley touchdown, cutting the lead to five after their second failed two-point conversion.
FOURTH QUARTER
After Rutgers finally stopped the Wildcats again defensively, they utilized their 67-yard punt return to increase their lead back to double-digits.
K-State brought the lead back down to five as Johnson got the ball to another running back for a receiving touchdown. Joe Jackson scored on a nine-yard reception after a big run plays earlier. Finally, K-State stops Rutgers once more before setting up their final touchdown drive. A 25-yard Jackson reception set up Edwards' game-winner.
Jayden Armant is a graduate of the Howard University School of Communications and a contributor to Kansas State Wildcats on SI. He can be reached at jaydenshome14@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @jaydenarmant.