It’s almost time for Rutgers football as the Scarlet Knights are back on the road this Thursday for the final time of the season when they take on Kansas State in the 2024 Rate Bowl on Thursday afternoon.

With that in mind, our staff here at The Knight Report offers our earnings predictions for Thursday afternoon’s showdown between the two programs.

RICHIE O’LEARY — Rutgers: 34 || Kansas State: 24

Although Rutgers is without arguably their best player in Kyle Monangai in today’s game, Kansas State is still missing a lot more with RB1, WR2, WR4, RT1 CB1 and S1. Additionally, Rutgers has historically performed well under Greg Schiano when given extra time to prepare for an opponent.

Of course, Rutgers will likely try to establish the run game early with the combination of Antwan Raymond and Jashon Benjamin, but don’t be surprised if they put a few shots through the air in this game, with K-State missing a lot in the secondary . On the other hand, I expect the Scarlet Knights defense to fly around today despite not having a true defensive coordinator at the moment as this senior class looks to make a lasting impression in their final game in the scarlet and white.

MIKE BROADBENT — Rutgers: 31 || Kansas State: 24

Rutgers benefits from a depleted KSU secondary and Athan Kaliakmanis is playing his best game as a Scarlet Knight.

Avery Johnson makes several big plays for the Wildcats, but ultimately Rutgers makes more plays on the offensive side of the ball and blocks a FG on special teams.

CRAIG EPSTEIN — Rutgers: 27 || Kansas State: 24

This should be an interesting matchup between two teams that have had fairly similar seasons.

Both teams started well, with Kansas State starting the year 0-6 before suffering its first loss to BYU. From there, the Wildcats lost three of their last four games and saw them go from CFP hopefuls to hopes that they could win the Rate Bowl trophy.

Rutgers’ path to this game has been well-documented, but unlike Kansas State, the Scarlet Knights are on the rise after winning three of their last four games, including a dominant 41-14 win over Michigan State to close out the regular season .

Both teams will be without their star running backs as DJ Giddens and Kyle Monangai withdrew to prepare for the NFL Draft.

As long as Rutgers has quarterback Avery Johnson, I believe they will pull out the win considering how many players the Wildcats are missing due to opt-outs/transfers. The Scarlet Knights have also shown they are capable of winning without Monangai, so I would expect a big game from Antwan Raymond.

ALEC CROUTHAMEL – Rutgers: 36 || Kansas State: 31

Both teams will be without their respective star running backs, but thanks to the Air Raids, this game will be more of a track and field contest.

Athan Kaliakmanis and his receivers have played their best football over the last four games, and with Kirk Ciarrocca and the offense having a full month to prepare and get healthy, they can’t wait to play one last time this year play.

The defense will be tested without some depth players and the coordinator with Joe Harasymiak heading to UMass. So don’t be surprised if the Wildcats can score with budding QB talent Avery Johnson as well as Dylan Edwards and Joe Jackson receiving their auditions next season.

Antwan Raymond, in his own audition for the running back room next season, runs for 80 yards without Kyle Monangai and the receiving duo of Ian Strong and Dymere Miller, their seasons peaking with a touchdown each.

The defense probably made some mistakes without its coordinator, but the offense wins the shootout and Rutgers takes the win as each team finishes the year at 8-5, with the Scarlet Knights finishing the season at 4 after going 0-4 in October Finish :1 The Wildcats finished 1-4 after a 7-1 start.