Rocco Becht's Dublin Masterclass: Iowa State Stuns Kansas State in Historic Aer Lingus Classic
Dublin, Ireland – In a thrilling start to the 2025 college football season, the No. 22 Iowa State Cyclones delivered a memorable upset, defeating the No. 17 Kansas State Wildcats 24-21 in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic at Aviva Stadium. The historic matchup marked the first-ever Big 12 Conference game played on Irish soil and provided an electrifying spectacle for thousands of international and American fans.
Cyclones Conquer the Emerald Isle in Week 0 Thriller
The atmosphere in Dublin was electric as college football returned to Ireland for the sixth time at Aviva Stadium. Despite wet conditions that challenged both teams, Iowa State's resilience and clutch plays, particularly from quarterback Rocco Becht, proved to be the difference. The game, a highly anticipated Week 0 clash, saw the Cyclones open their season outside the United States for the first time in program history.
Becht's Brilliance Seals the Deal
Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht showcased a performance filled with grit and timely execution. While his overall stat line (14-for-28, 183 yards) might not jump off the page, his impact in critical moments was undeniable. Becht was responsible for all three of Iowa State's touchdowns, throwing for two and adding a crucial rushing score.
Key moments of Becht's heroics included:
- A 23-yard touchdown pass to Dominic Overby in the first quarter, getting the Cyclones on the board.
- A 24-yard touchdown pass to Brett Eskildsen in the third quarter, extending Iowa State's lead.
- A decisive 7-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, putting Iowa State up 24-14 after a critical Kansas State turnover on downs.
- Perhaps the most significant play came late in the fourth quarter on a 4th-and-3 from the Kansas State 16-yard line. With the game on the line, Becht found running back Carson Hansen for a 15-yard gain, effectively icing the game and securing the victory for Coach Matt Campbell, marking his 100th career coaching win.
Wildcats' Valiant Effort Falls Short
Kansas State, led by quarterback Avery Johnson, fought hard throughout the contest. Johnson passed for 273 yards and two touchdowns, also adding a 10-yard rushing touchdown in the second quarter. A late 65-yard touchdown pass to Jerand Bradley brought the Wildcats within three points, but they were unable to regain possession to mount a final drive. The Wildcats' offense struggled with consistency and turnovers on downs, particularly in the first half due to the wet conditions.
A Landmark Event for College Football
The Aer Lingus College Football Classic continues to be a highlight on the international sports calendar, bringing the excitement of American college football to a global audience. This particular matchup between the Iowa State Cyclones and Kansas State Wildcats not only delivered a thrilling game but also made history as the inaugural Big 12 conference game played in Ireland. The event drew thousands of fans, boosting local tourism and showcasing the unique cultural experience of Dublin alongside top-tier collegiate athletics.
Iowa State's upset victory kicks off their season with significant momentum, while Kansas State will look to regroup as they return stateside. The Dublin clash proved to be much more than just a game; it was a celebration of sport, culture, and the growing international appeal of college football.