Cyclones vs. Wildcats in Ireland: Odds, Picks & Game Preview (8/23/2025)
College football kicks off early this year, and we’ll get the first action in Dublin, Ireland. The Iowa State Cyclones will hope to solidify their head-to-head lead against the Kansas State Wildcats, but the latter looks set to snatch the win from under the Cyclones in this Big 12 clash. Who do you think has the better edge between the two to grab a win across the pond? Well, we will break it all down and cover all you need to know, from the odds and team to our best bets and, finally, our score prediction.
Game Snapshot
- Matchup: Iowa State Cyclones (#22) vs. Kansas State Wildcats (#17)
- Game Details: Saturday, August 23, 2025 – 12:00 PM ET / 11:00 AM CT
- Location: Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland (Aer Lingus College Football Classic)
- How to Watch: ESPN
- Teams: Cyclones: 2024 Record (11-3) – Defense ranked top 10 in opponent completion percentage % | Wildcats: 2024 Record (9-4) – Offense centered around dual-threat QB Avery Johnson
- Series History: Iowa State holds the current lead for the all-time “Farmageddon” rivalry 54-50-4, and the Cyclones have won two out of their last three meetings, with a 42-35 shootout in 2024.
- Special Note: The Iowa State Cyclones will face the Kansas State Wildcats in their first international game. Kansas State, on the other hand, has a global experience, dating back to 1992 in Tokyo.
Key Storylines to Watch
We can expect intense action in this clash, especially given the two teams’ head-to-head performance in their last five games. Their performances in other games as well clearly show a trend for both teams. As such, some of the things you should look out for during the clash are as follows:
- Avery Johnson’s Spotlight Moment: Avery Johnson is the Kansas State Wildcats’ quarterback, who is currently on the Heisman radar after posting 27 touchdowns last year. His mobility will undoubtedly test the Iowa State Cyclones’ disciplined zone defense, which leads us to the latter’s defense characteristics.
- Iowa State’s Defensive Identity: The Cyclones’ defense, led by DC John Heacock, was rock solid in 2024, as they held opponents to under 300 yards per game. As such, we recommend you look out for how they force turnovers in the red zone and defend the zone-read.
- Cyclones’ Offensive Growth: While the defense is impressive, the Iowa State Cyclones aren’t sleeping on their offense. For this game, you can expect Jaden Higgins to stretch the field, especially with the WR group’s experience behind him. Quarterback Rocco Becht is also back after 24 TDs and just 5 INTs last season.
- Neutral-Site Intangibles: Neither is playing on home turf, meaning you can expect things like jet lag, time zone change, and crowd energy to have a significant impact on the game.
Betting Lines and Live Odds (From DraftKings)
1. Kansas State Spread
- Confidence Level: 8/10
- Current Line: KSU – 3 (-115)
Why We Like It:
- The first reason is the dual-threat weapon at QB. Avery John has proven to be one of the most dynamic QBs in the Big 12. He can keep defenses honest with his legs and still hit chunk plays downfield, both of which will be handy for KSU.
- You can also consider the Kansas State up-front experience as four of five offensive linemen return. This lineup will be a major edge against ISU’s 3-3-5 defense that thrives on confusing inexperienced fronts.
- Chris Kileman is a program-builder and game-prep specialist. Kansas State also has a strong track record of being ready out of the gate, and its history in handling international travel will play a major role in giving it a coaching edge abroad. Recent reports also highlight Kansas State’s added motivation heading into this matchup.
- Then, you have the neutral field, which neutralizes ISU’s home-field advantage. We won’t get any Jack Trice crowd in Ireland. As such, we don’t expect much from Iowa State’s ability to rally off defensive momentum.
Risk Factor: Iowa State’s defense remains capable of holding teams under 24, and a backdoor cover is possible if the Wildcats struggle to finish drives.
2. Under 51.5 Total Points
- Confidence Level: 6/10
- Current Line: Under 51.5 (-118)
Why We Like It:
- ISU’s bend-don’t-break defense: The Cyclones are elite at keeping plays in front of them. They were also in the top 15 in red zone stops and currently rank among the best at limiting explosive pass plays.
- Travel fatigue + new environment: Jet lag, time zone shifts, and an unfamiliar stadium typically result in slower offensive stats. As such, you can expect conservative early play-calling, especially in Q1.
- Both teams prefer to control pace: Both teams and coaches have shown their preference to lean into the run game and methodical drives early in the season.
Supporting Tends:
- Unders are 5–2 in Kansas State’s last 7 non-conference games.
- Week 0 Unders historically hit at a 55%+ clip due to limited game reps and rusty execution.
Risk Factor: If either team capitalizes on a special teams play or forces a short-field turnover, the total could get pushed over in the second half.
3. Avery Johnson Anytime Touchdown (Rush or Pass TD)
- Confidence Level: 7/10
- Expected Prop Line: +100
Why We Like It:
- Red zone involvement: Johnson had 9 rushing TDs last season and is often used in RPOs and designed keepers inside the 10-yard line.
- Matchup advantage: Iowa State’s defense funnels toward intermediate zones and limits explosive plays. This forces QBs to move the chains with their legs or short passing — both of which favor Johnson.
- Game script fit: If Kansas State gets inside the 5 multiple times, Johnson has a strong chance of scoring one on the ground or throwing for an easy play-action TD.
Bonus Angle: If books offer a 1+ rush TD at +150 or better, it could be worth sprinkling. Johnson scored 2+ rush TDs in three games last season — and his legs will be a key factor against ISU’s zone.
Before kickoff in Dublin, make sure to check the latest odds and explore our list of top-rated betting sites to secure the best value.
Matchup Breakdown and Key Stats
Quarterback Battle
| QB | Comp % | Yards | TD | INT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Avery Johnson (KSU) | 62.4% | 2,765 | 21 | 5 |
Rocco Becht (ISU) | 64.1% | 2,510 | 24 | 6 |
- Edge: Kansas State has the edge due to mobility and upside.
Defense Comparison
| Stat Category | Iowa State | Kansas State |
|---|---|---|
Yards Allowed/Game | 294.8 (Top 10) | 351.2 |
Opp. 3rd Down % | 34.3% | 39.8% |
Red Zone TD % Allowed | 51.2% | 57.4% |
- Edge: Iowa State has the edge because of its defensive consistency and red zone clampdown.
Coaching and Prep
- Matt Campbell (ISU) is a proven motivator. He also excels in underdog roles.
- Chris Kileman (KSU) has 4 straight bowl wins, and is known to be prepared and steady.
Betting Takeaways before Kickoff in Ireland
Final Score Prediction: Kansas State 24, Iowa State 20
When it comes to having a rugged defense and continuity at QB, we will give it to Iowa State. However, Kansas State’s explosive QB and OL depth make them dangerous. You also have international travel and a neutral site, adding unpredictability to the game.
Our best bets, given the circumstances and team trends, are as follows:
- K-State -3 (8/10 confidence)
- Under 51.5 (6/10 confidence)
- Avery Johnson anytime TD (7/10 confidence)
