The college football season kicks off in style overseas as the No. 22 Iowa State Cyclones and the No. 17 Kansas State Wildcats square off in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Dublin, Ireland, on Saturday at noon ET (ESPN). The Big 12 rivals bring high expectations and plenty of storylines into a clash that could set the tone for both teams’ playoff aspirations.
Pick: Kansas State 30, Iowa State 24 | Line: Kansas State by 3.5 | TV/Stream: ESPN | Kickoff: Noon ET / 5 p.m. local time (Aviva Stadium, Dublin)
Iowa State at a Glance
The Cyclones are coming off one of their best seasons in recent memory, finishing 11-3 with a thrilling 42-41 Pop-Tarts Bowl victory over Miami. Head coach Matt Campbell’s team is built around balance on offense and a defense that thrives against the pass but has questions against the run.
2024 Team Stats
- Offense: 416.2 yards per game (39th FBS)
- Passing: 255.7 ypg (39th)
- Rushing: 160.5 ypg (70th)
- Scoring: 31.1 ppg (41st)
- Defense: 343.9 yards allowed (51st)
- Passing defense: 165.6 ypg (1st nationally)
- Rushing defense: 188.4 ypg (109th)
- Scoring defense: 22.9 ppg (41st)
Key Players
- QB Rocco Becht: 3,505 yards, 25 TD, 9 INT, 59.4% comp.
- RB Carson Hansen: 752 yards, 13 TDs
- WR Chase Sowell (ECU transfer): 678 yards, 3 TDs
Becht’s arm and Iowa State’s elite pass defense make them dangerous, but their vulnerability against the run is a glaring concern heading into this matchup.
Kansas State at a Glance
The Wildcats also capped off 2024 with bowl drama, edging Rutgers 44-41 in the Rate Bowl to finish 9-4. Chris Klieman’s squad relies heavily on its ground game, ranking 11th nationally in rushing last season, while sophomore quarterback Avery Johnson continues to develop as a dual-threat leader.
2024 Team Stats
- Offense: 426.8 yards per game (31st FBS)
- Passing: 211.4 ypg (85th)
- Rushing: 215.5 ypg (11th)
- Scoring: 30.8 ppg (46th)
- Defense: 343.4 yards allowed (43rd)
- Passing defense: 224.7 ypg (77th)
- Rushing defense: 118.7 ypg (28th)
- Scoring defense: 23.4 ppg (50th)
- QB Avery Johnson: 2,712 yards, 25 TD, 10 INT, 58.3% comp.
- RB Dylan Edwards: 546 yards, 5 TDs (7.4 ypc)
- WR Jayce Brown: 823 yards, 5 TDs
Kansas State’s strengths play directly into Iowa State’s biggest weakness: the run defense. Expect Edwards and the Wildcats’ offensive line to be featured early and often.
Matchup Breakdown
- Iowa State pass defense vs. Kansas State QB Avery Johnson: The Cyclones led the nation in pass defense last season, which means Johnson may need to use his legs and rely on play-action rather than airing it out.
- Kansas State rushing attack vs. Iowa State run defense: A strength-on-weakness clash. If Edwards and the Wildcats dominate the ground, the Cyclones could be in trouble.
- Quarterback efficiency: Both Becht and Johnson threw for 25 touchdowns last season. Turnover margin could decide this one.
- Neutral site factor: The trip to Dublin adds unpredictability. Which team adjusts better to travel, environment, and the unique stage may gain an early edge.
Both teams open the year ranked in the Top 25 and have Big 12 title hopes. With new playoff expansion, an early nonconference (albeit international) win could loom large in the postseason picture.
The Wildcats’ ability to run the ball matches up almost too perfectly with Iowa State’s defensive vulnerability. Expect a close, physical game, but Kansas State’s ground game may ultimately control the tempo.
