Kick Off in Ireland: Farmageddon

Survival mode officially ends tomorrow at noon ET. College Football kicks off in Ireland, and we’re lucky enough to get a ranked Big 12 showdown: #22 Iowa State vs. #17 Kansas State. Across the pond from the farm fields of the Midwest, one truth remains...we’re witnessing Farmageddon. In what feels like the most anticipated non-Notre Dame Week Zero game in years, the stakes are clear: both teams have Big 12 championship aspirations, and only one can set the tone for 2025.

Not only is this a ranked rivalry, it’s also a quarterback showcase. Iowa State’s junior gunslinger Rocco Becht has a new supporting cast but is expected to keep the Cyclones offense humming. On the other side, K-State’s Avery Johnson brings a dangerous dual-threat element. If Iowa State’s defense can’t contain his scrambling, Saturday could get long in a hurry.

Both QBs will be leaning on talented backs. Even with DJ Giddens off to the NFL, the Wildcats feel confident in junior Dylan Edwards to carry the torch. K-State has a history of star running backs, and Edwards looks like the next in line.

Iowa State counters with a strong duo of Carson Hansen, fresh off 13 rushing TDs, and Abu Sama III. That 1–2 punch will be key as the Cyclones look to break in new targets like Chase Sowell for Becht.

Defensively, both sides trust their leaders at linebacker. Iowa State’s Kooper Ebel will have the tough task of keeping Johnson in check when plays break down, while K-State’s Austin Romaine will be charged with stopping the Cyclones’ rushing attack. How those two juniors perform could swing the game.

Oddsmakers lean slightly toward Kansas State, with the line most recently sitting at -3 (ML -155). But in a game this tight, it may come down to one late fourth-quarter play in Dublin.

Prediction: Iowa State 31, Kansas State 23

Iowa State finishes drives in the red zone while its defense bends but doesn’t break, forcing the Wildcats to settle for field goals too often. The Cyclones fly home with a statement win.

Best Bets:

Iowa State ML +130

Carson Hansen O57.5 rushing yards

Dylan Edwards U83.5 rushing yards