After months of anticipation and countless travel miles, the highly awaited Farmageddon football game unfolded in Dublin, where the Iowa State Cyclones triumphed over the Kansas State Wildcats with a nail-biting score of 24-21. The electric atmosphere at Aviva Stadium was palpable, as both teams and their passionate fan bases showed an unwavering desire to win. With neither team willing to accept a defeat that would leave them at the bottom of the conference standings, the stakes were incredibly high.
The game was marked by moments of sloppiness and visible nerves, particularly in the early stages. However, as the clock ticked down, the competition intensified, culminating in a thrilling finale. The Cyclones secured their victory with a crucial fourth-down conversion in the game’s last moments, thanks to a well-placed pass from quarterback Rocco Becht to Carson Hansen, allowing Iowa State to run out the clock effectively.
K-State quarterback Avery Johnson had a commendable outing, completing 21 of 30 passes for 273 yards and two touchdowns. His deep throws were particularly impressive, connecting with wide receivers Jerand Bradley and Jayce Brown, which gave the Wildcats a fighting chance late in the game. Despite his efforts, the Cyclones consistently made the necessary clutch plays to secure their win.
Although the Cyclones managed only 183 passing yards, their timely gains felt much more impactful. As a result, Iowa State celebrated their victory in Europe while the Wildcats left with their heads hung low. “Bottom line, we’re disappointed,” remarked K-State football coach Chris Klieman. “We came here expecting to win, and we didn’t. But I’m proud of the guys. Regardless of what this game was, we have 11 more left.”
One of the key factors in Iowa State's victory was their perfect record on fourth down, converting all three attempts. In contrast, the Wildcats struggled significantly, failing on three crucial fourth-down opportunities, which included an ineffective run by Johnson. Johnson acknowledged the turning point, stating, “They made the necessary plays that were needed to win the game.”
This early loss puts K-State at a disadvantage, starting the season at 0-1 and entering Big 12 play with the same record. Historically, only two teams have managed to achieve winning seasons after participating in this game, and neither of those teams lost in Ireland.
The Wildcats also faced the challenge of missing key player Dylan Edwards, who was anticipated to be a pivotal part of their offense. After his standout performance at the Rate Bowl last December, expectations were high. Unfortunately, Edwards' game ended prematurely, as he was sidelined with an apparent injury after fumbling on his first play. Despite his efforts to warm up and return, Klieman confirmed at halftime that Edwards would not be rejoining the game. Joe Jackson stepped in to handle rushing duties, finishing with 51 yards on 12 carries.
The initial half of the game was riddled with mistakes, highlighting the difficulty teams face when starting their seasons without a warm-up game. Viewers witnessed four fumbles, a missed field goal from Iowa State, and a failed fourth-down conversion from K-State. The rain and slippery field conditions likely contributed to the errors, which were compounded by early season nerves. Nevertheless, the competitive spirit kept the game tied at 7-all going into halftime, setting the stage for improved performance in the second half.
Despite the offensive challenges, the Wildcats' defensive line showcased their strength during the game. K-State's pass rush was formidable, recording six tackles for loss and four sacks, with standout performances from Tobi Osunsanmi and Jordan Allen. This defensive prowess created pressures that challenged Becht throughout the match, even as Iowa State eventually found their rhythm against the K-State front.
The atmosphere within Aviva Stadium was electrifying, making this Farmageddon matchup feel like a significant bowl game. Each team’s supporters, numbering around 11,000 each, filled the stadium to capacity, creating a vibrant environment that amplified the excitement of the game. K-State fans waved their purple flags while Iowa State supporters filled the air with chants, contributing to an unforgettable experience. After traveling across the ocean, fans were fully engaged, living and dying with each play, making the outcome feel far more significant than a typical season opener.
The thrilling encounter, despite its outcome for the Wildcats, marked an entertaining start to the college football season for both fans in Ireland and those watching from home.
