Saturday’s matchup between No. 22 Iowa State and No. 17 Kansas State was a high-stakes season opener at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland. The game featured two ranked Big 12 programs with lofty expectations for 2025, but the Cyclones prevailed, 24-21. The Cyclones and Wildcats got off to a sloppy start with wet and rainy conditions in the first half. The game featured a muffed punt return by KSU returner Dylan Edwards after ISU’s opening drive. The teams went into halftime tied at 7-7 after seeing the last six drives of the half end with two fumbles, a missed field goal, a turnover on downs and two punts. Iowa State and Kansas State were tied 14-14 early in the fourth quarter, but ISU took a 24-14 lead with a seven-yard touchdown run by Rocco Becht with 6:38 remaining. KSU showed signs of life on their next offensive play, as quarterback Avery Johnson hit Jerand Bradley for a 65-yard touchdown connection. However, the Wildcats defense could not make a stop on ISU’s next possession, and the Cyclones ran out
