Written by In The Bleachers | 27 December 2006

#16 10-2 (5-2), 2nd Big East vs 7-5 (4-4), 2nd Big 12 - North Division For the first time in school history, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights will be heading to a bowl game in consecutive years. But it has to be a little disappointing to the team that they finish 2nd in a BCS Conference and get relegated to the Texas Bowl, and not a more prestigious one. All that aside the Knights had a great year and a victory over Kansas State would be icing on the cake. Rutgers shocked the Nation by beating Louisville and many thought they had a chance at running the table. But losses to Cincinnati and West Virginia put a nix on any BCS Bowl hopes. The Knights are led by Ray Rice who had 1624 uards rushing and 19 touchdowns but I really think the key to the offense is the play of Mike Teel. Teel has come along in the second part of the year and was a big reason the Knights beat Louisville. The rushing game has two great RB's in Rice and Leonard, but when Teel plays good it gives them balance. It doesn't allow teams to stack solely against the run. It would be a stupid not to mention the play of the defense. They are the heart and soul of the team only giving up 14 points per game. Kansas State comes into the game after a loss to Kansas, but the week before they were the team that put the nail in the coffin of Texas' BCS Championship hopes. That seems to be the win that everyone wants to talk about, but if you look at the rest of their schedule it is the only really good win for the Wildcats. Statistically speaking the Wildcats give up more yards than they gain each game. That isn't good if you are going up against a team like Rutgers. Before I go any further, Ron Prince has done an excellent job in his first season at Kansas State. No one gave him any chance and most thought he would finish at the bottom of the Big 12 North. First year QB Josh Freeman has had his ups and downs all season. In 10 games he threw for a little more than 1600 yards but had more interceptions (13) than touchdowns (6). But as Texas found out, he can be a tough guy to contain. The Wildcats have an average rushing game where no one player rushed for over 600 yards. Leon Patton is their leading rusher with 595 yards and 6 touchdowns. I think the Wildcats are going to be hard pressed to gain much yardage on the offensive side of the ball against Rutgers. While the Scarlet Knights will use a steady diet of Rice and Leonard to control the clock. Mike Teel will continue to play solid and not make any costly turnovers. In a game where two teams have had Cinderella seasons, one of them will turn into a pumpkin, That will be Kansas State. Rutgers 33-9 Brian -Rutgers Husker Mike - Rutgers Ron - Rutgers Mountain Lair - Rutgers Mr. Cornnation - Kansas State Brian from CFR- Rutgers Charlie - Rutgers Chris - Otto-Rutgers Mrs. Cornnation - Rutgers

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