In a rain-soaked and hard-fought battle in Dublin, Ireland, No. 22 Iowa State defeated No. 17 Kansas State with a final score of 24-21 to kick off the 2025 college football season. The game was a slugfest, characterized by sloppy play, key turnovers, and a dramatic finish. Key Takeaways Rocco Becht's Clutch Performance: While his overall stats (14-for-28, 183 yards) weren't spectacular, Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht was at his best when it mattered most. He threw two touchdown passes and ran for another, including a crucial 7-yard rushing score that put the Cyclones up 24-14 in the fourth quarter. His most important play, however, came on a 4th-and-3 late in the game, where he found running back Carson Hansen for a 15-yard gain to seal the victory. Kansas State's Offensive Struggles: The Wildcats' offense had a tough day, particularly in the first half. Quarterback Avery Johnson, while showcasing his dual-threat ability, struggled with consistency and was frequently forced to move out of the pocket due to pressure from the Iowa State defensive front. The Wildcats were plagued by turnovers on downs, and a reliance on big, explosive plays rather than sustained drives. Defensive Battle: Both defenses played well for much of the game, especially early on. The wet conditions in Dublin led to several fumbles and dropped passes for both teams. Kansas State's defense, in particular, looked strong in the first half, forcing two turnovers, but they were unable to get the critical stops needed in the fourth quarter. Coaching Decisions: The game came down to key coaching decisions in the final minutes. Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell's gutsy call to go for it on 4th down instead of kicking a field goal was rewarded with the game-sealing first down. Conversely, Kansas State's decision to go for it on 4th-and-1 in the fourth quarter from their own 30-yard line, which resulted in a turnover on downs, proved to be a critical turning point. The victory marks the third consecutive win for the Cyclones in the "Farmageddon" rivalry and gives them a crucial early-season conference win with potential implications for the Big 12 Championship race. Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOBig12?sid=YouTube Locked On College Conferences, HBCU, Basketball & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnCollege Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/drakectoll Follow the show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LOBig12