Rain-Soaked Battle Shows Big 12 Potential in Iowa State vs. Kansas State
By Shawn Gates | NILvana Sports
AMES, Iowa — Under a steady drizzle that turned Jack Trice Stadium into a grindhouse, No. 22 Iowa State and No. 17 Kansas State delivered a slugfest that was as sloppy as it was revealing. The conditions and early jitters contributed to two turnovers within the first six minutes, setting the tone for a night where both defenses flexed their potential and both quarterbacks endured uneven starts.
Kansas State: Talent Flashes Through the Mist
Freshman quarterback Avery Johnson showed both promise and inexperience. While his athleticism is unquestioned, mental lapses—including a costly intentional grounding penalty that wiped out a scoring chance—kept the Wildcats from building momentum.
The special teams unit added to the early struggles. Running back Dylan Edwards muffed a punt and left the game with an injury, forcing backup tailback Jackson into a bigger role. To his credit, Jackson responded, flashing vision and toughness that kept the ground game alive. Meanwhile, wideout Brown reaffirmed why many believe he’ll be one of the Big 12’s breakout stars, consistently finding separation despite the weather.
Iowa State: Grinding It Out
Quarterback Rocco Becht never truly found a rhythm through the air. He had a few throws that reminded Cyclone fans of his upside, but the coaching staff leaned heavily on the ground game. Running back Cartevious Hansen was the late spark, ripping off multiple double-digit-yard runs in the fourth quarter that gave Iowa State life.
Perhaps the most consistent element of the Cyclone offense was their tight ends, who once again proved to be versatile weapons. In tough weather, their ability to create mismatches across the middle added balance to an otherwise conservative attack.
Coaching Decisions: Contrasting Philosophies
The coaching battle was just as fascinating as the on-field one. Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell drew criticism for his clock management at the end of the first half, declining to use timeouts with under a minute remaining and a chance to push for points.
On the other sideline, Kansas State’s Chris Klieman showed why his players believe in him. He gambled multiple times on fourth down, both in his own territory and in Iowa State’s half, signaling his trust in the Wildcats’ ability to convert. Even when the calls didn’t always pay off, the message was clear: Kansas State will play on the front foot.
Big 12 Implications
Both teams emerged from this game with blemishes but also with credentials that justify their lofty rankings. Each defense looked every bit the part of a potential top-10 unit nationally, and both coaching staffs have the leadership to navigate the bumps of a long season.
If the forecast was wet and sloppy, the future forecast for the Big 12 is anything but—because Iowa State and Kansas State are both legitimate contenders for a spot in the conference championship. And when they meet again on a bigger stage, it wouldn’t be surprising if the weather—and the stakes—are just as intense.
