The Rutgers Scarlet Knights (7-5) face off against the Kansas State Wildcats (8-4) on Thursday, December 26th. This game will be played at Chase Field in Phoenix and televised on ESPN. Rutgers is coming off a win in their previous game, while Kansas State is looking to get back on track from a loss to the Iowa State. Kickoff is set for 5:30 ET.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs Kansas State Wildcats

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Rutgers Offense Breakdown

Rutgers’ offense is averaging 27.9 points per game, placing them 50th in the nation, but they are ranked 36th in our offensive power rankings. Their run game is their strength, with 179 rushing yards per game on 39.6 attempts.

Kyle Monangai leads the ground attack with 1,279 rushing yards, 13 touchdowns, and an average of 5 yards per carry. Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis has thrown for 2,459 yards, 17 touchdowns, and six interceptions, with a passer rating of 84. Dymere Miller has 731 receiving yards and four touchdowns.

Kansas State Offense Breakdown

Heading into week 11, Kansas State’s offense is averaging 29.8 points per game, placing them 40th in the nation. Our offensive power rankings have them 39th. Their run game is their strength, averaging 207 rushing yards per game, which ranks 21st nationally. DJ Giddens has rushed for 1,343 yards, averaging 6 yards per carry, and has scored seven touchdowns.

Quarterback Avery Johnson has thrown for 2,517 yards with 22 touchdowns and nine interceptions, giving him a passer rating of 92. Kansas State ranks 83rd in passing yards per game. Jayce Brown leads the receiving corps with 763 yards and five touchdowns on 42 receptions.

Rutgers Team Defense

Rutgers’ defense played a key role in their 41-14 win over Michigan State, allowing just 14 points and forcing an interception. They limited the Spartans to 276 total yards, including 126 rushing yards on 23 carries and 150 passing yards.

On the season, Rutgers ranks 39th nationally, giving up 23.8 points per game. Opponents have averaged 150.8 rushing yards on 29.5 attempts per game, while quarterbacks have posted a 60.1% completion rate and 234.1 passing yards per game against Rutgers.

Rutgers Team Defense

Kansas State’s defense, ranked 26th nationally, has allowed 21.9 points per game this season. In their recent game against Iowa State, they gave up 29 points, surrendering 341 total yards, including 214 passing yards and two touchdowns, while forcing one interception.

Opponents have averaged 223.7 passing yards per game against Kansas State, completing 62.5% of their throws. On the ground, the Wildcats have allowed 122.6 rushing yards per game, ranking 43rd in the nation.

Rutgers vs Kansas State Trends

• Through their last ten road contests, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights offense has averaged 20 points per game while allowing an average of 22. Rutgers posted an overall record of 5-5 while going 5-3-1 ATS.
• Across the Kansas State Wildcats last three home games, the team averaged 28 points per game while allowing 23. Their record vs the spread in these contests was 1-2, while going 1-2 straight-up.
• Rutgers has done well both straight up and vs the spread as the underdog, going 3-0 SU and 3-0 ATS in their last three games.
• In their last three games as the betting favorite, the Kansas State Wildcats have a straight up record of 1-2 and an ATS mark of 1-2.

Scarlet Knights vs Wildcats Prediction

Kansas State is the -7 point favorite at home in their week one matchup against Rutgers. We expect the Wildcats to win straight-up, with a projected final score of 27-18.

For the over/under, with the line at 50.5 points, our recommendation is to take the under, as our projections suggest a total of 45 points. We also like Kansas State to cover the -7 point spread.

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All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

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* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.