Rate Bowl Preview: Kansas State Wildcats vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Check out the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (7-5) and Kansas State Wildcats (8-4) when they compete in the Rate Bowl on Thursday, December 26 at 5:30 PM ET at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona. In this upcoming college football betting matchup, the Wildcats are favored with a point spread at -6.5 (-120).
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Betting Preview
The Scarlet Knights have won their last three out of five games, and are coming off of a 41-14 victory over the Michigan State Spartans. This put them back on track after a 38-31 loss to the Illinois Fighting Illini in the game prior.
They were a 1.5-point underdogs heading into that matchup, but clearly blew that out of the water. They were up 23-7 at the half and were able to maintain that momentum. Athan Kaliakmanis completed 13 of 22 passes for 157 yards and a touchdown.
Offensively they were a step above the Spartans at 365 yards and 24 first downs. They held the Spartans to 253 yards, 13 first downs, and forced a turnover.
The Scarlet Knights are averaging 27.9 points a game and rank 69th in the nation. On the defensive end, they rank 59th and are allowing their opponents to get 23.8 points a game.
Kansas State Wildcats Betting Preview
The Wildcats are coming off a 29-21 defeat to the 18th-ranked Iowa State Cyclones in their latest matchup. They have now lost three out of their last four matchups and need to finish the season strong.
They were down 24-14 at the half, and were able to get within reach in the third quarter. However, sloppy plays led to their demise. Avery Johnson completed 12 of 28 passes for 220 yards and three touchdowns.
Their total yards were at 364 and they allowed the Cyclones to get 324. But, two turnovers led to their downfall and they also had just 14 first downs while allowing 22.
The Wildcats rank 51st in the country with averaging 29.8 points a game. Their defense has been giving up 21.9 points a game to their opponents, ranking 35th. This is a solid margin of victory, but their offense cannot be stale if they expect to win.
Odds, Series Trends, and Free Pick
MyBookie has you set for the Rate Bowl odds in the Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Kansas State Wildcats showdown, favoring the Wildcats by 6.5-points. The Wildcats have a 69.5 percent chance of winning, according to market analysis.
The Scarlet Knights are appealing in this situation given their recent momentum and their Wildcats recent struggles. However, the Wildcats have consistently played against tougher teams all season and they have the skills to win this game and cover the spread.
Final Pick: Kansas State Wildcats -6.5 (-120)