K-State allowed Rutgers to gain a whopping 319 yards in the first half and still won the yardage battle 542 to 401 by the end of the fourth quarter. The Wildcats flipped a switch midway through the third quarter and played some excellent football. As for the quote ...

Kansas State will try to rebound from a difficult finish to the regular season as it faces Rutgers in the Rate Bowl.

Kansas State football got involved in an epic shootout with Rutgers in the Rate Bowl, and made some history in the process.

Kansas State may only be the reigning Pop-Tarts Bowl champions for a few more days, but the Wildcats can still end the season on a high note in the Rate Bowl against Rutgers at Chase Field in Phoenix on Thursday.

Kansas State already ranks No. 18 in the country in expected points added (EPA) per rush, a rank buoyed immensely by explosive plays in comparison to the Wildcats ranking just No. 61 in rushing success rate, more a measure of down-by-down ability.

Rutgers will look to remain undefeated against the Wildcats in what is their second-ever meeting. The Scarlet Knights previously defeated Kansas State, 37-10, in the 2006 Texas Bowl. No matter who is on the field, the Wildcats expect a fight.

The loudest cheer of the night on Thursday at Chase Field didn’t come during Kansas State’s thrilling 44-41 win over Rutgers at the Rate Bowl. It came afterward as head football coach Chris Klieman wrapped up the victory ceremony by shouting a message to the thousands of purple-clad fans who made the trek to Arizona for this postseason game.

Kansas State coach Chris Klieman always praises the loyalty and support from the Wildcats fanbase. But he also used Thursday night to thank the band for their dedication and devotion. “Hats off to K-State nation for coming out and watching us play,