All non-playoff bowl games have a wide range of unknowns, and the Rate Bowl really reflects the mystery.

Both Rutgers and Kansas State will compete without key players, and there is no clear evidence that either team is more focused or better prepared. So how can one solve such a puzzle?

I used to subscribe to the blind rule of taking outsiders when in doubt. After all, it’s not like oddsmakers or the betting market have an accurate assessment of the power rankings for these types of bowl games.

For example, in Tuesday’s Hawaii Bowl, San Jose State was initially a 2.5-point favorite, and the spread reached as high as 4.5 points. However, in the hours before kickoff, the favorite changed and South Florida finished as 1.5 point favorites. In fact, the Bulls won a five-overtime marathon 51-49, so it paid off to catch the underdog for most of the process.

The Scarlet Knights will play without stud senior running back Kyle Monangai, who ranked in the top three in the Big Ten in both rushing yards and rushing touchdowns. With 23.3 attempts per game, he was the star of a relatively limited Rutgers offense.

The Wildcats also need to replace production, but not at the same level as Rutgers. Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson will play, and I think that’s the difference. There were just too many instances where Rutgers was backed into a corner by strong quarterbacks and solid offenses. I don’t think they can keep up the scoring pace without Monangai.

Rutgers QB Athan Kaliakmanis could surprise us and produce more if asked. Additionally, Greg Schiano is a solid coach with a strong track record in bowl games.

Betting on college football?

But the Wildcats were one of the more respected teams in their prime. They started the year with a record of 7-1 and finished in 16th place. And I’m a big fan of coach Chris Klieman and believe he will get his team in the right frame of mind to win this game of uncertainty.

THE PICK: Kansas State -7 (-110, ESPN BET)