Rutgers football ended its up-and-down 2024 season with one last roller-coaster ride. The Scarlet Knights suffered a crushing 44-41 loss to Kansas State at the Rate Bowl on Thursday, blowing a 17-point second-half lead to the Wildcats and falling in another shootout at Chase Field during their second trip to this bowl game.

Rutgers decided to pull a fast one during Thursday night’s Rate Bowl at Chase Field, and it worked to perfection. While looking to run the Philadelphia Eagles’ tush push at the 1-yard line against Kansas State, quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis instead handed the ball off to running back Antwan Raymond for the fake.

Rutgers football's defense clearly has questions to answer but its offense showed signs of growth and promise.