When the Rutgers football team takes the field for the Rate Bowl against Kansas State on Thursday evening in Phoenix, it won’t have star running back Kyle Monangai in uniform. The First Team All-Big Ten runner has opted out of the bowl game, coach Greg Schiano confirmed at his pregame press availability. “He’s decided not to, which I fully understand,” Schiano said. “Kyle’s don’e so much for Rutgers. Excited for his future. He’s been awesome. He’s helped coach, he’s been at every meeting. If you didn’t know it, you’d think he was playing. That’s just the way that he’s prepared.” Monangai is expected to be selected in April’s NFL Draft. The senior from Roseland by way of Don Bosco finishes with 1,279 yards and 13 touchdowns this season. He ran for over 3,000 yards during his terrific career at Rutgers, with 2,541 of them coming over the last two seasons. Although not playing in the game, Monangai has been working with the running backs in a coaching capacity this week. “That’s Kyle,” Schiano said. “If he’s going to do something he’s going to do it all out.” One player who is expected to suit up one last time in the scarlet and white is senior offensive tackle Hollin Pierce. The 6-8, 344-pound Trenton native is also expected to hear his name called in April’s draft. “It’s been amazing,” Pierce said. “Just being together and stuff; and absorbing those moments because you never get those moments back. Once these moments are gone, they’re gone.” The Scarlet Knights (7-5) won three of their final four games to earn bowl eligibility after a rough four-game losing streak that seemed to place a second consecutive bowl trip into question. “I think my favorite memory from this year is how much we came together during times when most teams can separate,” quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis said. “We came together and that was my favorite thing. It taught me a lot of lessons about life, about the people you surround yourself with. Rutgers is an organization full of amazing people.” Kansas State (8-4) is trying to win at least nine games for the third straight season and secure a second consecutive bowl victory. The Scarlet Knights and Wildcats are meeting for the first time since the 2006 Texas Bowl, a 34-10 Rutgers victory. Schiano was in his first stint as the head coach in Piscataway then. Rutgers Gameday WHO: Rutgers (7-5) vs. Kansas State (8-4) WHEN: Thursday, 5:30 p.m., Chase Field, Phoenix BetMGM ODDS: Kansas State by 7 KEY MATCHUP: The Wildcats rank fourth with 5.9 yards per carry, compared to the 4.9 per rush the Scarlet Knights give up (104th in the FBS). Rutgers averages 4.4 yards per carry (62nd in college football) compared to the 3.5 per attempt Kansas State gives up (19th in the FBS). LAST GAME: Kansas State lost 29-21 to Iowa State. Avery Johnson led the Cats with 220 yards on 12-of-28 passing (42.9%) for three touchdowns and no interceptions. He also carried the ball 13 times for 64 yards. DJ Giddens had 72 rushing yards on 14 carries. Jayce Brown had three receptions for 106 yards and two touchdowns. Rutgers beat Michigan State 41-14. Athan Kaliakmanis led the Scarlet Knights with 157 yards on 13-of-22 passing (59.1%) for one touchdown and no interceptions. Kyle Monangai had 129 rushing yards on 31 carries and one touchdown. Ian Strong had four receptions for 55 yards and one touchdown. PLAYERS TO WATCH: Kansas State: Johnson has 2,517 passing yards (209.8 per game) while completing 59.1% of passes (202 for 342), with 22 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He has 548 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns, averaging 45.7 per game. Giddens has 205 carries and ranks 13th in the country with 1,343 rushing yards (111.9 per game) and seven touchdowns. He also has 21 catches for 258 yards and one touchdown. Brown has 763 receiving yards (63.6 per game) on 42 catches with five touchdowns. Rutgers: Kaliakmanis has 2,459 passing yards (204.9 per game) while completing 54.8% of passes (199 for 363), with 17 touchdowns and six interceptions. He has 233 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns, averaging 19.4 per game. Dymere Miller has 731 receiving yards (60.9 per game) on 57 catches with four touchdowns. FACTS & FIGURES: Kansas State has outscored opponents by 7.9 points per game this season, and Rutgers has outscored opponents by 4.1 per game. … With 14 forced turnovers (90th in college football) against 15 committed (42nd in college football), Kansas State’s minus 1 turnover margin ranks 67th in college football. … In terms of passing, Rutgers ranks 91st in college football (204.9 passing yards per game) and 93rd defensively (234.1 passing yards allowed per contest).