In a thrilling turn of events, the Kansas State Wildcats staged an impressive comeback to defeat Rutgers 44-41 in the Rate Bowl held at Chase Field in Phoenix. After falling behind by 17 points early in the third quarter, Kansas State rallied to take control of the game and secure the victory.
The decisive moment of the match came when Dylan Edwards featured prominently, scoring a 36-yard touchdown run with just 4:15 to play. In place of DJ Giddens, who opted to enter the NFL Draft, Edwards showcased his abilities by accumulating a record-breaking 196 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while also catching a touchdown pass.
The Wildcats amassed a total of 542 yards in offense, with a significant 347 yards coming from the ground game. Quarterback Avery Johnson completed 15 of his 30 passes for 195 yards, contributing three touchdown passes to the scoreboard.
Kansas State’s defense, initially overwhelmed in the first half by Rutgers, limiting the Scarlet Knights to just 82 yards in the second half after giving up 319 yards before halftime. This remarkable turnaround proved essential in overcoming a 27-17 deficit.
With this victory, Kansas State improved its record to 9-4, marking the third consecutive season with at least nine wins under head coach Chris Klieman. Meanwhile, Rutgers concluded its season with a 7-6 record, with Antwan Raymond leading their offense by rushing for 113 yards and three touchdowns.
The standout players of the game earned accolades, with Dylan Edwards being named the most valuable offensive player, and linebacker Austin Moore capturing the defensive MVP title.
In summary, Kansas State’s incredible resilience against Rutgers not only highlights their potential but also sets the tone for future seasons, showcasing the team’s ability to fight back against adversity. The Wildcats’ victory serves as a reminder to fans and students alike that hard work and determination can lead to success, reinforcing a positive outlook as they move forward.