CFB-FBS: #22 Iowa State Cyclones (0-0) vs. #17 Kansas State Wildcats (0-0)

Game Details

• Matchup: Iowa State vs. Kansas State
• Date: Saturday, August 23, 2025
• Time: 12:00 PM ET
• Location: Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland
• TV: ESPN

Team Breakdown
Iowa State Cyclones

• 2024 Record: 11–3 (7–2 Big 12)
• Head Coach: Matt Campbell
• Key Returners:
• QB Rocco Becht: 3,505 yards, 25 TDs, 9 INTs
• RB Carson Hansen: 752 yards, 13 TDs
• WR Jayden Higgins: Emerging deep threat
• Strengths:
• Nation’s top-ranked pass defense in 2024
• Balanced offensive attack with underrated run game
• Concerns:
• Rebuilding offensive line
• Depth at wide receiver
  
• Kansas State Wildcats
• 2024 Record: 9–4 (5–4 Big 12)
• Head Coach: Chris Klieman
• Key Returners:
• QB Avery Johnson: 2,712 yards, 25 TDs, 605 rush yards
• RB Dylan Edwards: 546 yards, 7.4 YPC, 5 TDs
• LB Austin Moore: Anchor of a top-25 linebacker unit
• Strengths:
• Physical defensive front
• Dual-threat quarterback play
• Concerns:
• Only two returning starters on offensive line
• New O-line coach after Conor Riley’s departure to the NFL

Matchup Analysis

• Last Meeting: Iowa State won 29–21 in November 2024
• Series History: Iowa State leads 54–50–4
• X-Factor: Iowa State’s ability to pressure Johnson without blitzing. Their secondary can lock down short routes, forcing Kansas State to stretch the field.
• Wild Card: The game is played in Dublin. Travel, time zone shifts, and weather (potentially 40° cooler than Midwest summer) could slow offensive rhythm.

Betting Angle

Why: Iowa State’s defense is healthy and disruptive. Kansas State’s offensive line may need more time to gel, and the neutral-site setting favors the more disciplined unit. Expect a low-scoring, physical contest decided in the final minutes.