PHOENIX – As has been the case for much of the 2024 season, Rutgers will be shorthanded for the final game of the season.

With multiple injuries, three transfers and one opt-out, the Scarlet Knights (7-5, 4-5) will lose more than a dozen players when they face Kansas State (8-4, 5-4) in the bowl on Thursday. The Big Ten hasn’t released an availability report for Rutgers, but here’s what NJ Advance Media noticed during pregame prep:

Rutgers will be without starting cornerback Eric Rogers and one-time starting safety Desmond Igbinosun. The secondary members were shirtless during warmups and wore street clothes while cheering on their teammates.

Star running back Kyle Monangai, an NFL draft hopeful, has opted out of participating in the game but will be on the sidelines alongside position coach Damiere Shaw coaching his teammates. He also helped coach the unit during warm-ups.

Of course, Rutgers will be without the numerous players who suffered injuries early in the season – including tight ends Kenny Fletcher and Logan Blake, left guard Bryan Felter, running back Samuel Brown and linebackers Mohamed Toure and Abram Wright – as well as those who transferred during the transfer portal window, including defensive end Wesley Bailey, safety Thomas Amankwaa and wide receiver Chris Long.

Rutgers will look to remain undefeated in their second meeting against the Wildcats. 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.

“(When I think of Rutgers), I think of a well-coached, physical team,” Kansas State coach Chris Klieman said at Rate Bowl media day earlier this week. “I think it’s a big challenge and I think it’s fun.”

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Brian Fonseca can be reached at [email protected].