An offense that was humming along under first-year coordinator Conor Riley ran out of gas. That is a big reason why K-State fell out of playoff contention and is now preparing to play Rutgers in the Rate Bowl at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday at Chase Field in Phoenix.

As Kansas State gears up for the Rutgers Scarlet Knight, storylines have been flying around regarding the transfer portal, new recruits, and possible breakout performances. But a more light-hearted note was the Wildcats getting to unveil their new uniforms in the Rate Bowl.

The Rate Bowl in Phoenix will, therefore, feature one of the Big 12’s most talented teams against one of the Big Ten’s most middling. If those adjectives don’t make it clear, my Rutgers vs. Kansas State predictions will side with the touchdown favorite before kickoff at 5:30 ET on Thursday, December 26.