The Scarlet Knights' seventh-ranked defense manhandled Kansas State's offense, holding the Wildcats to 162 total yards and six first downs.

On the first play of the second quarter, Freeman found Jordy Nelson on a crossing route for a 33-yard gain to set up Jeff Snodgrass' 44-yard field goal.

Rice, the nation's fourth-leading rusher, had 74 yards rushing at halftime to move into third place on the school's career list.

Rice burst through the line and ran untouched through the defense for 46 yards and his 20th touchdown of the season to make it 31–10 with 11:41 left in the third quarter, and that was more than enough for Rutgers.

Freshman Leon Patton, Kansas State's leading rusher, fumbled at the Wildcats' 22 near the end of the quarter, setting up the second of Jeremy Ito's three field goals.