Photo Courtesy of Aer Lingus College Football Classic
No. 22 Iowa State and No. 17 Kansas State is taking the Farmageddon rivalry overseas, facing off in Dublin, Ireland for the 2025 version of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic on Saturday (11:00 a.m. ESPN). It’s a unique matchup with plenty on the line. Our staff breaks down the game and shares their picks for Iowa State’s Week 0 matchup against the Wildcats.
Chris Williams
It’s funny. I have Iowa State going 9-3 this year and picked the Cyclones to lose this game a few weeks ago mainly because I needed to find a third loss. But I don’t think Iowa State is any worse than K-State. I actually like the matchup. I am still concerned about the defensive line to start the season, especially against a mobile quarterback like Avery Johnson. This game is a total toss-up but give me the Cyclones in a true 50-50 game. Iowa State 27, Kansas State 24
Rob Gray
The Cyclone have traditionally started slow under head coach Matt Campbell — and even though they set a program record by starting 7-0 last season, the season opener against North Dakota was a slog at times. That can’t happen against a Kansas State team replete with playmakers on both sides of the ball. The Wildcats ranked 11th nationally in rushing offense last season and Dylan Edwards should be ready to be DJ Giddens-like after the latter moved on to the NFL. All games are won in the trenches — and that’s especially true early in the season. ISU had success running the ball in last season’s win over the Wildcats. If the same holds true on Saturday, expect the Cyclones to prevail in a nail-biter. Iowa State 24, Kansas State 21
Jake Brend
Look guys, I really hope I’m wrong. I want to be cold takes exposed. I don’t want this lovely trip to Dublin ruined because of a silly little football game. Right now, I think there’s a 55% chance that’s the case. These teams are even on paper. Iowa State has the better quarterback and the better coach. So, why K-State? For me, it comes down to early season offensive line play. I really do think Iowa State’s line will be good by the end of the season, but I don’t know what it will look like in week zero, especially facing an elite front seven for the Wildcats. To me, that’s the difference. Kansas State 23, Iowa State 20
Jackson Pence
The wait for college football is finally over and what a matchup to open the year. Two top tier Big 12 programs and two of the Big 12’s best coaches will go at it. This is always such a tough game to pick as both teams are always very similar every year with this season being no different. I think Iowa State has the better roster, but I don’t know if they are ready to come out of the gates on fire like K-State is. One matchup to watch is the Cyclones’ DL and the Wildcats’ OL. This is where the game will be won and lost in my opinion. If the Cyclones can stop the run and force K-State to pass, they will win this game. If they can’t, I just can’t see the Cyclones winning this game. Give me the Wildcats in a really tight game. Kansas State 24, Iowa State 20.
Jacqueline Cordova
I’m here to bring the unhinged thoughts and the fun picks of the week. History says the Cyclones sometimes creep out of the gate groggy, but I can’t wait to see how this squad looks after last season’s brutal injury stretch. Healthy Cyclones! (Ignoring that one injury update.)
I absolutely cannot stand Kansas State, but that’s not swaying me. The Wildcats are a 3 to 3.5-point favorite, with the total hovering around 49.5–50.5. The Wildcats have a 61.5% chance of winning this game. Add in recent series dominance and how the Cyclones have covered spreads, and I like this matchup. Call me crazy, but I don’t think K-State is that much better. That said, if they come out blazing early and Iowa State struggles in the first quarter, my confidence will nosedive fast.
But, here are some things I found that made me feel warm and fuzzy:
- Last four times the Cyclones matched up against the Wildcats, they have a 3-0-1 record against the spread. The scoring has gone over the point total on two occasions.
- Over their last four head-to-head games, Iowa State has scored 113 points to Kansas State’s 86.
So, I’m rolling with the Cyclones in a tight, Cyclone-leaning win. Iowa State 27, Kansas State 24
Jeff Woody
The season is officially upon us! And with that comes the first test of the year (for both teams). I’d be lying if I said I knew much about Kansas State from last year to this one due to the nature of the transfer portal. But this is what I do know:
- They return their QB who has very high upside but also makes a fair number of “Why did he do that?” plays.
- They return most of their offensive line, which was pretty new for last year.
- They lose DJ Giddens and Jacob Parrish to the NFL, which were cornerstones and mistake erasers in the backfield and secondary, respectively.
So, this comes down to who executes more effectively ASAP and whose mistakes are better. Is it a pick 6 or an interception on a 3rd and 22 that’s 50 yards downfield? I think Iowa State’s QB and RB situation is more stable in that regard, so the Cyclones take this one. But such a test so early is an absolute coin flip. It sure will be fun though, so buckle up. Iowa State 25, Kansas State 22
Derek Duke:
Kansas State has a defensive line that can go two deep and even with Iowa State’s improving offensive line, I have a tough time seeing the Cyclones run the ball with success. If Iowa State wins this one, it’s going to be through the air with Rocco Becht. Someone from that wide receiver room will have to step up and help attack the weak point of Kansas State’s defense which is their secondary.
On the other side, Iowa State’s defensive line is going to have to buckle up. Dylan Edwards is an excellent running back and don’t sleep on running ability of Avery Johnson. Playing football on soccer fields always makes me worry about field conditions late in the second half and that is where I could see the athleticism of Avery Johnson taking over. If this game were later in the season, I would feel better about Iowa State’s chances in this one but as of right now, I think Kansas State is the better team. Kansas State 27, Iowa State 24.
