PHOENIX — Kansas State faced a significant challenge in the Rate Bowl when DJ Giddens, a standout running back in the Big 12, decided to opt out to focus on preparing for the NFL draft. However, Dylan Edwards stepped up and assured the Wildcats and their supporters that they had nothing to fear.
In an outstanding performance, Edwards rushed for 196 yards and secured his third touchdown with a 36-yard run in the fourth quarter, leading Kansas State to a dramatic comeback victory over Rutgers with a final score of 44-41. “Dylan and those young guys, those kids are really good players,” Kansas State coach Chris Klieman stated. “They just need belief and confidence.”
Although the Wildcats faced an uphill battle after some early setbacks, they found their rhythm. The Scarlet Knights (7-6) were in command, leading by 10 points at halftime and extending their advantage to 34-17 when Ja’shon Benjamin caught a 7-yard touchdown pass on the first possession of the second half. However, Kansas State (9-4) rallied back, driven by Edwards.
Edwards initiated the comeback with a remarkable 65-yard touchdown run, and following an interception by Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis, Garrett Oakley caught a 13-yard touchdown pass that brought the Wildcats within five points. Kansas State, however, struggled with two-point conversions after both touchdowns.
Rutgers responded and appeared to regain the upper hand, going up 41-29 early in the fourth quarter thanks to Antwan Raymond’s 1-yard touchdown run on a fake play. Yet, Kansas State quickly answered with Avery Johnson’s 9-yard touchdown pass to Jadon Jackson, which was followed by Edwards’ decisive 36-yard run, cementing an impressive outing in the absence of Giddens, who had amassed 1,343 rushing yards and seven touchdowns during the regular season.
“We worked on those plays for two weeks, so just trying to do my job, and that’s what I did,” Edwards remarked afterward. Despite their late-game struggles, Rutgers still had an opportunity to regain momentum. Moving from their own 25-yard line to Kansas State’s 44, they managed only three more yards before failing on fourth down with less than two minutes remaining.
“As I tell the players: in life, if you do everything you can to be the best you can be, you can be disappointed,” said Rutgers coach Greg Schiano. “I know that this team did everything they could; they just came up a little short.” The Scarlet Knights also missed their leading rusher Kyle Monangai, who opted out of the game to prepare for the NFL draft.
Raymond performed admirably in his absence, rushing for 113 yards and scoring three touchdowns. Meanwhile, Kaliakmanis recorded 237 passing yards and a touchdown but struggled with a key interception, completing only 14 of his 32 attempts. Rutgers’ offensive output dropped significantly after halftime, managing only 82 yards compared to 319 in the first half.
“They controlled the game in the second half with their offense and their defense,” Schiano commented. In a season filled with ups and downs, Johnson faced some criticism but didn’t let it affect his performance. In the Rate Bowl, he completed 15 of 30 passes for 195 yards and three touchdowns, adding 57 yards and a touchdown on 11 rushing attempts. The touchdown pass to Jackson marked his 25th of the season, setting a new school record previously shared by stars Ell Roberson and Will Howard.
“I’ve seen a lot of guys who have great talent and don’t put in the work, but he’s got both those combos,” noted Kansas State linebacker Austin Moore. “He’s going to continue to be special.”
**Key Takeaways:**
Kansas State showcased resilience, particularly on defense, as they effectively contained Rutgers in the second half. Edwards’ total of 223 yards was crucial to the team’s success, culminating in his impactful final touchdown run.
On the other hand, Rutgers was left reflecting on missed opportunities, as defensive errors in the second half prevented what could have been their second consecutive bowl victory.
**Looking Ahead:**
Kansas State will return next season with a promising core, including underclassmen like Johnson, Edwards, and RB Joe Jackson, along with leading tackler Austin Romaine. However, defensive pillars DE Brendan Mott and Moore played their last college games.
Meanwhile, Rutgers will face significant roster changes in the offseason, with Kaliakmanis being one of six senior starters on offense, while the defense also sees eight seniors departing.
