Iowa State took an early lead against Kansas State with a score of 7-0 in the first quarter of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic held in Dublin, Ireland. The Cyclones' quarterback, Rocco Becht, demonstrated his skills by throwing for 48 yards and securing a touchdown on his third drive. This impressive start set the tone for the matchup, showcasing Iowa State's potent offense right from the beginning.
On the other side, Kansas State faced challenges, primarily due to having to overhaul much of its offensive line. This unit struggled to provide adequate protection, leading to difficulties for their quarterback, Avery Johnson, who completed only one of his four passing attempts, with one pass even being batted down by an opposing defender. Despite these setbacks, Kansas State's offensive coordinator, Matt Wells, devised a few clever plays aimed at advancing into scoring territory.
As the first quarter progressed, both teams made significant mistakes that shaped the game. Kansas State committed a pass interference penalty in the end zone and muffed a punt, while Iowa State fumbled the ball on a toss and experienced multiple dropped passes. The team that can minimize these errors will likely emerge victorious from this closely contested game.
Outside of Iowa State's successful drive, Kansas State's defense performed admirably against the pass. Notably, Qua Moss put pressure on Rocco Becht, resulting in a strip sack that gifted the Wildcats excellent field position. However, Iowa State's defense responded strongly, achieving a critical fourth-and-1 stop to regain possession.
As the second quarter began, Kansas State leveled the score at 7-7 after finding success with a diversified running game. Avery Johnson utilized a well-executed 10-yard quarterback draw to score a touchdown, marking a turning point for the Wildcats. After struggling offensively with only five total yards on their initial two drives, Iowa State shifted gears, combining efforts from four players to amass 70 rushing yards on their last drive.
Iowa State's Rocco Becht, initially held to just six passing yards late in the first quarter, discovered his rhythm after the rain subsided. With consecutive plays that included completions of 10, 15, and 23 yards—culminating in a touchdown pass to Dominic Overby—Becht showcased his experience and leadership. His performance, complemented by the receivers, allowed Iowa State to maintain its early advantage.
Early in the game, Kansas State's running back, Dylan Edwards, faced difficulties after muffing a punt, leading to concerns about his health as trainers attended to him. Edwards was expected to be the starting running back, but backup Joe Jackson took the first two carries, indicating a potential shift in the Wildcats' offensive strategy.
In typical Week 0 fashion, both teams displayed moments of miscommunication and execution issues. Iowa State had a critical opportunity thwarted when Rocco Becht tossed a high pass that was recovered by the Kansas State defense, preventing an early score. Such mistakes highlight the unpredictability often seen in the season's opening games.
Kansas State's initial drive was promising, as they forced a punt. However, the Wildcats' returner, Dylan Edwards, muffed the punt inside the 10-yard line, allowing Iowa State to capitalize with a goal-to-go situation. This type of critical error is particularly damaging in a tightly matched contest, emphasizing the need for both teams to tighten their gameplay.
Kansas State won the pre-game coin toss but opted to defer, allowing Iowa State to take the field first in this highly anticipated matchup. The Cyclones, led by star quarterback Rocco Becht, are entering this season with the challenge of rebuilding their receiving corps after losing two starters to the NFL.
The history between Iowa State and Kansas State is marked by fierce competition, with both teams vying for supremacy in what has been dubbed "Farmageddon." Since Matt Campbell took over at Iowa State, this rivalry has gained significant importance, with the winner often impacting the Big 12 title chase. Iowa State holds a favorable record against Kansas State, winning five out of the last seven matchups since 2018, and the outcome of this game could have significant ramifications in the ongoing Big 12 race.
Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson turned down offers from high-profile programs to remain in Kansas, a decision that reflects his commitment to building a successful program. With the coaching staff aiming to create a winning team around him, Johnson's performance will be crucial as he leads a bolstered Wildcats roster into the 2025 season.
