Phoenix, Arizona (AP) When DJ Giddens, one of the best running backs in the Big 12, decided to skip the Rate Bowl in order to get ready for the NFL draft, Kansas State was confronted with a difficult situation.
Dylan Edwards demonstrated that the Wildcats and their supporters didn’t need to fear.
Kansas State defeated Rutgers 44-41 in the Rate Bowl on Thursday night thanks to 196 yards of running by Edwards, who also scored his third touchdown on a 36-yard rush in the fourth quarter.
“Dylan and those young guys, those kids are really good players,” Chris Klieman, the coach at Kansas State, stated. “They just need belief and confidence.”
After several initial blunders, they finally found it in the desert.
Ja’shon Benjamin’s 7-yard touchdown grab on the first possession of the second half gave the Scarlet Knights (7-6) a 34-17 lead after they had already led by 10 at the half. However, the Wildcats (9-4) and Edwards roared back.
Following an interception by Rutgers´ Athan Kaliakmanis, Garrett Oakley grabbed a 13-yard touchdown pass to bring Kansas State within five yards of Edwards’ 65-yard touchdown run. Following both touchdowns, the Wildcats were unable to convert to two points.
Antwan Raymond’s 1-yard touchdown run on a fake tush push early in the fourth quarter gave Rutgers a 41-29 lead, giving them a little reprieve.
Avery Johnson’s 9-yard touchdown throw to Jadon Jackson was Kansas State’s response. After Giddens rushed for 1,343 yards and seven scores during the regular season, Edwards completed an outstanding night with his 36-yard touchdown.
“We worked on those plays for two weeks, so just trying to do my job and that’s what I did,” Edwards stated.
There was yet hope for Rutgers. With less than two minutes remaining, the Scarlet Knights gained three more yards and turned it over on downs, moving from their 25 to Kansas State’s 44.
“As I tell the players: in life, if you do everything you can to be the best you can be, you can be disappointed,” Greg Schiano, the coach of Rutgers, stated. “I know that this team did everything they could, just came up a little short.”
Kyle Monangai chose to sit out in order to get ready for the NFL draft, thus Rutgers was also missing its top rusher.
Raymond, who ran for 113 yards and three touchdowns, was a reliable replacement. In addition to throwing for 237 yards and a score, Kaliakmanis was just 14 of 32 passing and had a crucial interception.
After scoring 319 yards in the first half, Rutgers only managed 82 yards in the second half.
“They controlled the game in the second half with their offense and their defense,” stated Schiano.
Throughout his sophomore year, Johnson has received some criticism, but he has never allowed it get to him.
In the Rate Bowl, Johnson added 57 yards and a touchdown on 11 rushes in addition to throwing for 195 yards and three touchdowns on 15 of 30 passes. Jackson broke the school record held by Will Howard and Ell Roberson with his 25th touchdown throw of the season in the fourth quarter.
Austin Moore, a linebacker for Kansas State, stated, “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.” “He´s going to continue to be special.”
Kansas State: The Wildcats shut down Rutgers for the majority of the second half after struggling defensively until they needed it most. From then, Edwards amassed 223 total yards, none of which were more than his last touchdown run.
Rutgers: The Scarlet Knights were within striking distance of a second consecutive bowl victory, but a string of defensive blunders in the second half caused them to lose it.
Kansas State: Johnson, Edwards and RB Austin Romaine, the starting tackler, and Joe Jackson are both underclassmen. DE Moore and Brendan Mott, the cornerstones of K-State’s defense, participated in their last games of college.
Rutgers: During the offseason, the Scarlet Knights will need to cover a lot of ground. There are eight senior starters on defense and six on attack, including Kaliakmanis.
