Farmageddon is big enough when it’s played on the plains.But when the Iowa State-Kansas State rivalry gets exported to Ireland with the honor of being the first game of the college football season.The kickoff game of the 2025 season is also the first in a wide-open race for the Big 12’s presumed College Football Playoff berth, bringing a rare level of importance to this international Farmageddon.When No. 17 Kansas State and No. 22 Iowa State meet on Saturday in the Aer Lingus Classic in Dublin, it marks the first matchup of Associated Press Top 25 teams in the Emerald Isle. The game marks the 11th in Ireland since college football made its debut in 1988.With so much extra smoke swirling around this game, Iowa State coach Matt Campbell has tried to tell his guys to focus on the Cyclones instead of the Wildcats. He figures it’s a fool’s errand to do otherwise.”We don’t know what K-State’s going to do,” Campbell said. “It’s a first game. You’ve got no idea. They’ve got a new offensive coordinator. Man, they’ve played multiple defenses for the last four to five years.”But if the way the Wildcats and Cyclones closed out last season is any indication, defense might be optional. Iowa State edged Miami 42-41 in the Pop-Tarts Bowl — setting a school record with its 11th win — while Kansas State handled Rutgers 44-41 in the Rate Bowl.Both teams return their quarterbacks, too, and several more skill-position players.
Ireland backdrop for K-State, Iowa State in international Farmageddon
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