Rutgers and Kansas State are set to clash in an exciting desert showdown in Phoenix, Arizona, as they wrap up their seasons in the Rate Bowl. This matchup promises to be a thrilling conclusion for both teams, each with their own unique journey throughout the season.
Season Recaps: A Tale of Two Teams
Rutgers comes into this game with a 7-5 record, showcasing a rollercoaster of a season. The Scarlet Knights kicked off their campaign with a bang, starting 4-0 and securing impressive victories over teams like Virginia Tech and Washington. However, the joy was short-lived as they hit a rough patch, enduring a four-game losing streak that had fans on the edge of their seats. But the Scarlet Knights showed resilience, bouncing back to finish strong with wins against Minnesota, Maryland, and Michigan State. They did stumble in a close contest against Illinois, losing 38-31, but their ability to rebound has set a positive tone heading into this bowl game.
Kansas State, on the other hand, boasts an 8-4 record, but their season has also been a story of highs and lows. The Wildcats roared out of the gate, starting the season with a remarkable 7-1 record, with their only early loss coming against BYU. However, as the season progressed, they faced challenges, dropping three of their last four games, including a tough defeat against playoff-bound Arizona State. This inconsistency will be a focal point as they prepare to face the Scarlet Knights.
Game Details: When and Where
Fans eager to catch the action should mark their calendars for Thursday, December 26. The Rate Bowl will kick off at 5:30 p.m. ET (2:30 p.m. PT) at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona. This iconic venue, home to the Arizona Diamondbacks, offers a unique setting for college football, featuring a retractable roof and a lush natural grass playing field. With a seating capacity of 48,500, Chase Field is equipped with luxury suites and club-level seating, ensuring a fantastic atmosphere for fans.
How to Watch: TV and Streaming Options
For those looking to tune in, the Kansas State vs. Rutgers matchup will air live on ESPN. The broadcast team will include Wes Durham as the play-by-play announcer, Tom Luginbill as the color analyst, and Dana Boyle as the sideline reporter. If you prefer to stream the game, you can catch it live on Fubo, which offers a free trial for new subscribers. This is a great opportunity to experience the game without any commitment.
Fubo also provides a fantastic deal for new users, allowing you to get your first month for as low as $49.99, a $30 savings. With Fubo, you can enjoy ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, and over 200 top channels of live TV and sports without the hassle of cable.
Listen Live: Radio Coverage
If you’re on the go or prefer radio coverage, you can listen to the Kansas State vs. Rutgers game live on SiriusXM. Kansas State fans can find the broadcast on channel 84, while Rutgers supporters should tune into channel 372 for their team-specific commentary. SiriusXM offers a free trial for the first month, making it easy to stay connected to all the action, including live coverage of NBA, NFL, MLB, and college sports.
Expectations and Predictions
As both teams prepare for this crucial matchup, the stakes are high. Rutgers will look to capitalize on their late-season momentum, while Kansas State aims to regain their early-season form. The Scarlet Knights’ ability to bounce back from adversity will be tested against a Wildcats team that has shown flashes of brilliance but struggled in recent weeks.
Fans are left wondering: Which team will rise to the occasion? Will Rutgers continue their strong finish, or will Kansas State find a way to turn their season around in this pivotal game? The anticipation is palpable as both teams prepare to leave it all on the field.
College Football Bowl Schedule 2024-25
The Rate Bowl is just one of many exciting matchups in the college football bowl schedule. Here’s a quick look at some upcoming games:
Thursday, Dec. 26
– Rate Bowl: Kansas State vs. Rutgers at 5:30 p.m. ET on ESPN
Friday, Dec. 27
– Music City Bowl: Iowa vs. Missouri at 2:30 p.m. ET on ESPN
Saturday, Dec. 28
– Various matchups throughout the day
Monday, Dec. 30
– Various matchups throughout the day
Tuesday, Dec. 31
– ReliaQuest Bowl: Alabama vs. Michigan at Noon on ESPN
– Sun Bowl: Louisville vs. Washington at 2 p.m. on CBS
– Citrus Bowl: South Carolina vs. Illinois at 3 p.m. on ABC
– Texas Bowl: LSU vs. Baylor at 3:30 p.m. on ESPN
– CFP Quarterfinal (Fiesta Bowl): Boise State vs. Penn State at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN
Wednesday, Jan. 1
– CFP Quarterfinal (Peach Bowl): Arizona State vs. Texas at 1 p.m. on ESPN
– CFP Quarterfinal (Rose Bowl): Oregon vs. Ohio State at 5 p.m. on ESPN
– CFP Quarterfinal (Sugar Bowl): Georgia vs. Notre Dame at 8:45 p.m. on ESPN
As the excitement builds for the Rate Bowl, fans can look forward to a thrilling matchup that promises to deliver unforgettable moments. With both teams eager to end their seasons on a high note, the desert showdown in Phoenix is sure to be a spectacle for college football enthusiasts.
