Iowa State Outlasts Kansas State in Dublin Thriller

DUBLIN — The 2025 college football season kicked off overseas with a bang, as No. 22 Iowa State edged No. 17 Kansas State 24-21 in the Aer Lingus Classic at Aviva Stadium. Quarterback Rocco Becht was the hero, accounting for three total touchdowns and showing poise in crunch time to lift the Cyclones to 1-0.

Becht Shines in Big Moments

Becht completed 14 of 28 passes for 183 yards, two touchdowns, and added a 7-yard rushing score in the fourth quarter. He connected early with Dominic Overby on a 23-yard strike and later found Brett Eskildsen in the corner of the end zone for a 24-yard touchdown late in the third.

His biggest play, though, came with the game on the line. Facing 4th-and-3 with just over two minutes remaining, head coach Matt Campbell put the ball in his quarterback's hands. Becht delivered, finding Carson Hansen for 15 yards to ice the game.

"He called a great play, he gave me two plays and let me decide and I knew we were going to have a chance to get it," Becht said. "We've worked on it in practice and we're confident with it. I trust my guys."

Klieman's Costly Gamble

The turning point came in the fourth quarter when Kansas State head coach Chris Klieman made a puzzling decision. With the game tied 14-14, the Wildcats faced a 4th down deep in their own territory at the 30-yard line. Instead of punting, Klieman rolled the dice — and came up empty.

The failed conversion gave Iowa State prime field position, and just a few plays later, Becht capitalized with a 7-yard touchdown run to put the Cyclones ahead 24-14.

Kansas State struck back quickly with a 65-yard touchdown pass from Avery Johnson to Jerand Bradley, but they never got the ball again after Iowa State's gutsy fourth-down conversion sealed the win.

A Tale of Two Halves

The first half was sloppy, with both teams struggling in wet conditions. Iowa State and Kansas State each committed two turnovers before halftime. But adjustments by Campbell's staff in the second half gave the Cyclones the edge.

Hansen led Iowa State's ground attack with 71 yards on 16 carries, while Joe Jackson paced Kansas State with 51 yards on 12 attempts.

"I thought the offensive line did a really great job in the second half," Campbell said. "Our tight ends and o-line executed, and Carson is a really great player. We're proud of him."

Pop-Tarts and Injuries

In a quirky twist, the game also celebrated the last two winners of the Pop-Tarts Bowl, with Frosted Wild Berry and Frosted Hot Fudge Sundae Pop-Tart mascots patrolling the sidelines in Dublin.

Kansas State suffered a setback early when running back Dylan Edwards muffed a punt and left the game with an injury, not returning.

Takeaway

Becht played like a seasoned veteran, making clutch throws and runs to carry Iowa State. Meanwhile, Chris Klieman's bizarre fourth-down gamble in his own territory backfired in the worst way, opening the door for the Cyclones to take control.

The win gives Iowa State five victories over Kansas State in the last six meetings, setting the tone for a potential Big 12 run.

💬 Was Klieman's 4th-down gamble the right call, or did he hand the game away? Let us know what you think in the comments!