Kansas State returns to desert to face Rutgers in the Rate Bowl
Associated PressPHOENIX — Kansas State did not finish the regular season the way it wanted to. The good news: they played well enough early in the season to earn a chance to end it on a good note in Thursday’s Rate Bowl against Rutgers. With opponents stacking the line to slow running back DJ Giddens, the Wildcats were far less productive offensively, scoring nine fewer points and putting up nearly 50 fewer yards over the final four games compared to the first eight. Facts & figures The game will be played at Chase Field, home of baseball’s Arizona Diamondbacks.. Kansas State is playing in the Rate Bowl for the fifth time. The Wildcats led the Big 12 and were 22nd nationally against the run, allowing 114.9 yards per game.. Rutgers has won 10 straight nonconference games and 14 of its past 15.. K-State’s Avery Johnson joins Alabama’s Jalen Milroe as the only Power 4 quarterbacks with at least 2,500 passing yards and 525 rushing yards.