SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Rutgers football coach Greg Schiano said Tuesday that star running back Kyle Monangai will not play in Thursday’s Rate Bowl against Kansas State. Monangai – along with other players looking to pursue the NFL after this season – had the option to sit out the game to avoid any injury risk that could dent their draft stock.

When it comes to its senior class, Rutgers will be close to full strength for the Rate Bowl — with one notable exception. Star running back Kyle Monangai will not participate in Thursday’s meeting with Kansas State at Chase Field in Phoenix,

Johnson threw for 195 yards and three touchdowns on 15-of-30 passing in the Rate Bowl, adding 57 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries. The touchdown pass to Jackson in the fourth quarter was his 25th of the season, breaking the school record shared by Ell Roberson and Will Howard.