Kansas State’s Aggressive Strategy in Dublin Backfires
Kansas State’s aggressive approach in Dublin backfired as the Wildcats fell 24-21 to Iowa State in Week 0 of the 2025 college football season.
Questionable Fourth-Down Decisions
Coach Chris Klieman elected to go for it on fourth down four times, but Kansas State converted only once. The decisive play came with 8:19 left in the fourth quarter when, trailing 17-14, the Wildcats faced fourth-and-1 from their own 30. Klieman and first-year offensive coordinator Matt Wells kept the ball with junior quarterback Avery Johnson; Johnson was stopped for no gain.
Impact of the Final Play
Iowa State capitalized on the short field, scoring a touchdown in four plays. Kansas State answered quickly with a touchdown of its own, but the Wildcats never regained possession and dropped to 0-1 in a season that carries Big 12 and College Football Playoff ambitions.
Fan Reactions and Statistical Insights
Klieman’s record includes four straight winning seasons, a 2022 Big 12 title and at least nine wins in each of the last three years, but fans voiced immediate frustration after Saturday’s loss.
<...