Rutgers University’s football team faced a tough defeat in the 2024 Guaranteed Rate Bowl, falling to Kansas State 44-41 in a dramatic match that had fans on the edge of their seats. Despite leading by 17 points in the second half, the Scarlet Knights watched as the Wildcats mounted an incredible comeback, scoring 27 unanswered points. This game not only capped off the season but also set the stage for important changes ahead for the Rutgers program.
What Rutgers Football’s Future Looks Like
After the heartbreak of the Rate Bowl defeat, many fans are wondering what lies ahead for Rutgers football. Coach Greg Schiano has big decisions to make, especially with several key players graduating. The Scarlet Knights’ defense, which allowed an alarming 542 total yards against Kansas State, will need a makeover as they say goodbye to some talented upperclassmen. As Coach Schiano looks to the future, he is also searching for a new defensive coordinator to fill the shoes of Joe Harasymiak.
Defensive Struggles and Key Departures
Rutgers’ defense faced many challenges throughout the game, especially with Kansas State’s running back Dylan Edwards rushing for 196 yards and a standout touchdown. With notable players heading off to graduation, the Scarlet Knights will need to rethink their strategy. The excitement for the future cannot overshadow the critical lack of experience among the returning players, which raises concerns about how they will adjust to the pressures of the next season.
Offensive Highlights Show Promise
On a positive note, Rutgers’ offense had a glimpse of brilliance during the season, averaging 28.9 points per game—their best performance since 2008. Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis showed improvement, demonstrating his skills by throwing for 237 yards in the bowl game. Moreover, running back Antwan Raymond shone brightly, leading the team with 113 rushing yards and three touchdowns, including impressive performances that saw the team score at least 30 points in four consecutive games.
More Headset Debacles Hurt Offense’s Performance
Communication issues plagued Rutgers during the second half of the game, reducing the effectiveness of their offenses as they struggled to adapt. Mistakes in play calling and misunderstandings on the field contributed significantly to their inability to seal the win. Even with innovative plays like a successful fake tush push, the offense couldn’t regain momentum once Kansas State took control.
A Hurdle for the Future
Despite the challenging outcome of the bow and the uncertainty that lies ahead, the Scarlet Knights have shown that they can be competitive, and many hope for a brighter future. The team intends to bring in new transfer players to strengthen their roster, aiming to build on the offensive skills showcased this past season. The successes and failures from the Rate Bowl will undoubtedly shape the direction of the program moving forward.
Rutgers’ Season in Review
| Performance Metrics | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Points Scored | 28.9 points per game |
| Passing Yards by Quarterback | 2,696 yards |
| Rushing Touchdowns in Bowl Game | 3 |
| First-half Points in Rate Bowl | 27 (Season High) |
| Record Breakdowns | Multiple players achieved career highs |
Looking Ahead
The heartbreak of the Rate Bowl will linger for the Scarlet Knights and their supporters, but it’s also a call to action as the program aims to make adjustments that will bring greater success in the upcoming season. With fresh talent coming in and the return of players ready to take on expanded roles, fans remain hopeful about what Rutgers football can achieve in the not-so-distant future.