PHOENIX — Rutgers was well on its way to an encouraging end to the 2024 season, a win that would not only finish the campaign on a high note but show plenty of promise for the following fall. But the Scarlet Knights will spend the offseason wondering how they let it slip away — and how they can fix a major issue on one side of the ball.

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.