PHOENIX — As running back Ja’Shon Benjamin crossed the goal line at Chase Field for the second time on Thursday, Rutgers seemed to be on the verge of a spectacular win to end its season.

The Scarlet Knights were in the driver’s seat at the Rate Bowl, taking a 17-point lead over Kansas State midway through the third quarter. Their offense was humming, and while their defense struggled for stretches, they had a chance to shut the door on the Wildcats with a couple more stops.