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Rutgers vs. Kansas State Prediction & Picks Tonight: Rate Bowl Odds

Philip Wood

Last Updated: December 26, 2024 2:43 PM EST • 3 min 40 sec read.

Kansas State Wildcats quarterback Avery Johnson drops back to pass against the Arizona State Sun Devils as we look at our Rutgers vs. Kansas State prediction.
Kansas State Wildcats quarterback Avery Johnson drops back to pass against the Arizona State Sun Devils. Photo by Scott Sewell/Imagn Images.

The Rutgers Scarlet knights will be seeking an upset over the Kansas State Wildcats in the Rate Bowl tonight.

Kansas State is the 7-point favorite at our best sports betting sites ahead of this tilt that begins at 5:30 p.m. ET (ESPN) from Chase Field in Phoenix.

Both teams come in mostly with their key players, and few notable opt-outs amid the transfer portal shuffling. The starting signal-callers and key contributors on both sides of the ball will be available.

Who holds the advantage then?

I explore that question, as does Shane Jackson in his college football player prop bets today.

Also, our college football bowl game opt-out tracker has you covered with the latest opt-out news and the impact on the college bowl game odds.

Rutgers vs. Kansas State prediction & best pick: Rate Bowl

College football picks based on the odds from our best college football betting sites. Odds subject to change.

  • Against the spread pick: Kansas State -7 () vs. Rutgers ⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • My best pick: Avery Johnson Over 203.5 passing yards () ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rutgers vs. Kansas State ATS prediction

Kansas State to cover the spread: -7 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Best odds: -108 via DraftKings | Implied probability: 51.92%

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Wildcats find a way without DJ Giddens

Wildcats running back DJ Giddens, who rushed for 1,343 yards this season, has declared for the NFL Draft and will not be playing on Thursday. This is a huge loss for a team that averaged 197.4 rushing yards per game this season, the 18th-most in the country.

But the Wildcats’ offense will still have quarterback Avery Johnson, who rushed for 548 yards to go along with 2,517 passing yards. Additionally, the rushing attack will be led by Dylan Edwards, who ran for 350 yards this year and averaged 6.3 yards per carry.

Scarlet Knights outmatched on both sides of the ball

Despite seven wins this season, the Scarlet Knights beat only three bowl-eligible teams, and they didn’t beat a single squad with more than seven wins. The offense scored 26.5 points per game, but the defense allowed 25.4 per contest.

The Wildcats rank better both offensively and defensively, and with fewer opt-outs, their advantage only grows.

Kansas State opened as a 6.5-point favorite at our best sports betting apps, and with 62% of bettors backing them to cover. The spread has grown to seven at most of the major sportsbooks.

This number will likely continue to balloon. Even without their leading offensive player, the Wildcats are a more talented team and should be able to simply outscore Athan Kaliakmanis and the Scarlet Knights’ offense to cash one of your college bowl game predictions this week.

Rutgers vs. Kansas State best pick

Our NEW college football player prop odds tool can help you find the best odds on any market across legal sportsbooks in your area!

Avery Johnson Over 203.5 passing yards ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Best odds: -115 via bet365 | Implied probability: 53.49%

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With Giddens out, look for the Wildcats to put the ball in Johnson’s hands more than usual. While this will almost certainly mean more rushing attempts for the quarterback who ended the year with 102 rushing attempts, it also means more passing opportunities.

The Scarlet Knights are decent against the run, as they rank 60th in the nation, allowing 147.6 yards per game. But against the pass, they’re much worse. They’re allowing 244.8 passing yards per contest, which ranks 100th in the nation.

Johnson has thrown for more than 203 yards in seven of his last eight games. He did fail to throw for more than 200 yards in four games to start the season, but the Wildcats’ offense has looked much different since then. 

Rutgers vs. Kansas State odds movement

The spread for this game has stayed relatively steady since opening with Kansas State as the 7-point favorite, though it did dip below the key number and to -6.5 briefly.

Meanwhile, the total has experienced a little more shuffling while moving from 50.5 to now widely sitting at 52.5 in the hours before kickoff.

Rutgers vs. Kansas State odds

See all of this week's college football odds and NCAAF scores.

Rutgers vs. Kansas State live odds

Rutgers vs. Kansas State opening odds:

  • Rutgers: +6.5 (+101)
  • Kansas State: -6.5 (-113)

Rutgers vs. Kansas State injuries

Rate Bowl game info

  • When: Thursday, Dec. 26
  • Kickoff: 5:30 p.m. ET
  • Where: Chase Field (Phoenix)
  • How to watch: ESPN
  • Weather: 65 degrees, 1% chance of precipitation, wind 5 mph ENE
  • Favorite: Kansas State -7 (-108 via DraftKings)

College football betting odds pages

Here are our best college football betting sites:

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Written By:
Philip Wood
Phil has covered sports betting since 2016, and he has been with SportsBook Review since 2022. He previously hosted the College Football Pick 'Em podcast for CanesInsight.com. He is always looking for value, especially on lines that just seem too good to be true. His belief is that if a line doesn't make sense just assume oddsmakers know something you don't. He also loves in-season futures. There is so much value to be had as the public overreacts weekly. Bettors tend to forget just how long NFL and college football seasons are. After all, the Green Bay Packers were 2-5 in 2023 and they made it to the Divisional Round. When deciding where to bet, it comes down to value over everything. +100 is always better than -110. An alumnus of The U, Phil always holds out hope that the next head coach will be the one who turns the football program around. He is also a diehard Detroit Lions fan and is willing to forgive Dan Campbell for forgetting that a kicker can be useful.