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After falling behind by 17 early in the third quarter, the Wildcats mounted a comeback with a 27-7 scoring run to defeat Rutgers 44-41 in the Rate Bowl.
K-State outgained the Scarlet Knights 542-401, improving significantly from a 319-258 deficit at halftime.
Avery Johnson went 15-30 for 195 yards with three touchdowns and an interception, while also rushing for 57 yards on 11 carries.
Dylan Edwards was the standout performer, totaling 223 yards of offense. He rushed for 196 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries, while adding two catches for 27 yards and another score through the air. Joe Jackson also had an impactful game, rushing for 50 yards on seven carries and catching three passes for 37 yards and a touchdown.
Dylan Edwards emerges as a Star in Rate Bowl
With DJ Giddens opting out of the bowl game and declaring for the NFL Draft, sophomore Dylan Edwards stepped up in a big way.
Edwards had the best game of his young career, rushing for 196 yards and three touchdowns on just 18 carries, including a 65-yard touchdown that left defenders chasing each other. In addition to his rushing yards, He caught two passes for 27 yards and a touchdown. His 43-yard run in the first quarter and a 36-yard touchdown in the fourth proved that his big-play ability is unmatched.
Dylan’s ability to change the game with explosive plays was on full display, making it clear that he will be a key part of K-State's offense moving forward. With his speed and versatility, Edwards appears ready to fill the void left by Giddens and become the Wildcats' star running back.
Sunshine Makes History
Avery Johnson etched his name into Kansas State football history by setting a new program record for touchdown passes in a season with 25. The previous record of 24, shared by Ell Roberson and Will Howard, was surpassed after Johnson threw for three touchdowns against Rutgers in the Rate Bowl.
Though it was an up-and-down season for the sophomore, with moments of brilliance and struggles, his record-breaking performance to cap off the year showcased his potential.
If Johnson continues to develop his game, there's little doubt he could rewrite more records and become one of the great quarterbacks in K-State history.
K-State’s Defense Shows Resilience
The Wildcat defense faced significant struggles early in the game, especially with Rutgers taking deep shots and exploiting gaps in the defense, including the quarterback run game.
After a rough first half, where Rutgers scored on five of six drives and racked up 319 yards, Joe Klanderman and the Wildcat defense did what they do best—make adjustments.
In the second half, K-State’s defense became much more effective, limiting Rutgers to just 82 yards and playing with desperation in key moments. The defense stepped up when it mattered most, including Daniel Cobbs’ first career interception and a crucial 4th-down stop by Zashon Rich. Despite a rough start, the defense’s ability to rise to the occasion in the second half was a major factor in K-State’s comeback attempt.
The End of the Alternate Uniform Curse
Kansas State fans no longer need to fear the dreaded alternate uniform curse.
Under Chris Klieman, the Wildcats had previously struggled in white helmets and pants, falling in every game that they have worn them (0-4). However, the curse was finally broken in the Rate Bowl, proving that the players’ performance on the field, not the uniforms they wear, is what truly matters.
While the superstition likely didn’t have any real effect on the game’s outcome, it was a fun subplot to the victory and a reminder that K-State can win in any gear. However, let's hold off on any discussions about lavender uniforms for now.
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