Phoenix – Dylan Edwards delivered an electrifying performance, amassing 196 rushing yards and sealing his third touchdown on a spectacular 36-yard run in the fourth quarter. His heroics propelled Kansas State to a thrilling 44-41 victory over Rutgers in the highly anticipated Rate Bowl on Thursday night.
First-Half Dominance by Rutgers
The Scarlet Knights (7-6) entered the game with momentum and built a strong lead by halftime, holding a 10-point advantage. They extended their dominance early in the second half when Ja’shon Benjamin caught a 7-yard touchdown pass, pushing Rutgers to a commanding 34-17 lead. The Scarlet Knights appeared poised to secure their second consecutive bowl victory, showcasing precision and confidence on both offense and defense.
Kansas State’s Stunning Comeback
Kansas State (9-4) turned the tide in the second half, led by the dynamic performance of Dylan Edwards. Edwards ignited the Wildcats’ rally with a spectacular 65-yard touchdown run, cutting into Rutgers’ lead. Shortly after, the Wildcats capitalized on a crucial interception thrown by Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis. This turnover set up Garrett Oakley’s 13-yard touchdown reception, narrowing the deficit to five points. However, Kansas State’s attempts at two-point conversions after both touchdowns fell short.
Back-and-Forth Action in the Fourth Quarter
Rutgers briefly regained control when Antwan Raymond executed a 1-yard touchdown on a fake “tush push,” extending the lead to 41-29 early in the fourth quarter. But Kansas State remained relentless. Avery Johnson connected with Jadon Jackson for a 9-yard touchdown pass, further closing the gap.
Edwards then delivered the game-changing 36-yard touchdown run, capping his remarkable night in the absence of DJ Giddens, who opted out to prepare for the NFL draft.
The Wildcats secured the win by making a critical defensive stand, stopping Rutgers on fourth down near midfield with less than two minutes left on the clock.
Player Performances
Kansas State
- Dylan Edwards: The standout performer rushed for an impressive 196 yards and scored three touchdowns, including the decisive 36-yard run in the fourth quarter.
- Avery Johnson: The quarterback threw for 195 yards, completing 15 of 30 passes, and recorded three touchdowns. One of his standout moments was a 26-yard touchdown pass to Edwards in the second quarter.
- Garrett Oakley: Contributed with a crucial 13-yard touchdown reception during the Wildcats’ comeback effort.
Rutgers
- Antwan Raymond: Filled in admirably for Kyle Monangai, rushing for 113 yards and three touchdowns. His 1-yard score in the fourth quarter temporarily restored Rutgers’ lead.
- Athan Kaliakmanis: Passed for 237 yards and a touchdown but was hindered by a critical interception. He completed 14 of 32 attempts.
- Ja’shon Benjamin: Added a 7-yard touchdown reception, contributing to Rutgers’ early dominance.
Key Takeaways
Kansas State: Resilience and Big-Play Offense
The Wildcats struggled defensively in the first half but found their rhythm when it mattered most, shutting down Rutgers’ offense for much of the second half. Edwards’ standout performance, with 223 total yards, highlighted the team’s explosive potential. His final touchdown run proved to be the decisive moment in a high-stakes game.
Rutgers: Missed Opportunities
Rutgers appeared to have the game under control, but their defensive breakdowns in the second half allowed Kansas State to claw their way back. Despite strong performances from Raymond and Kaliakmanis, the Scarlet Knights failed to close out the game, letting a second consecutive bowl win slip through their grasp.
Looking Ahead
Kansas State’s Future
The Wildcats have a promising core of young talent, including quarterback Avery Johnson, running back Dylan Edwards, and Joe Jackson. Defensive stalwarts like Austin Romaine are also underclassmen, ensuring continuity. However, the team will need to address the departures of key veterans such as DE Brendan Mott and LB Austin Moore.
Rutgers’ Challenges
The Scarlet Knights face a significant offseason with several key players moving on. Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis is one of six senior starters on offense, while the defense will need to replace eight starters. Rebuilding their roster will be critical to maintaining competitiveness in the upcoming season.
Game Statistics
| Category | Kansas State | Rutgers |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 463 | 412 |
| Passing Yards | 195 | 237 |
| Rushing Yards | 268 | 175 |
| Turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Time of Possession | 28:34 | 31:26 |
FAQs
How many yards did Dylan Edwards rush for in the game?
Dylan Edwards rushed for an impressive 196 yards and scored three touchdowns, including the game-winning 36-yard run.
What was the key turning point in the game?
The key moment was Kansas State’s defensive stop late in the fourth quarter, preventing Rutgers from regaining momentum and securing the Wildcats’ victory.
Who stood out for Rutgers?
Antwan Raymond was a standout for Rutgers, rushing for 113 yards and scoring three touchdowns in place of Kyle Monangai.