Brett Twelmeyer, Sports Editor (8-3)

No. 18 Iowa State 24, No. 24 Kansas State 23

This is the most important home game in Iowa State football history. The Cyclones have the opportunity to win 10 games in a season for the first time ever, make the Big 12 Championship and potentially make their way into the College Football Playoff.

It all comes down to a Farmageddon showdown on senior night. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

This is probably one of the most underrated rivalries in college football. This game also seems to play out in wild, random ways every single year.

Look at last year in the snow, a game that ended 42-35. That was probably the most fun football game I’ve ever watched. There have been other years where the game is defensive, like in 2022 when it ended 10-9.

Farmageddon is usually a close game, and this one should be too. Both teams have strengths and weaknesses that can be exploited against each other.

Avery Johnson is exactly the type of quarterback that fits with Kansas State’s system. He’s mobile and can throw well. Similar to quarterbacks the Wildcats have had in the past, such as Colin Klein.

At the end of the day, given all of the factors, I have full confidence that the Cyclones won’t fail when it matters most. 10 wins and a Big 12 Championship spot will be a reality.

Pavle Markovic, Assistant Sports Editor (7-4)

No. 18 Iowa State 27, No. 24 Kansas State 16

If you had asked me at the beginning of the season if this game could give Iowa State its first 10-win season and a potential spot in the Big 12 Championship game, I would’ve called you crazy.

Would it have made sense that this game could’ve been for bowl eligibility? Maybe, but the Cyclones could’ve already clinched that heading into this game.

Regardless, this game for Iowa State has now become the most important home game in its 132-year history because of the massive implications that it could have on this program. 

It will be tough for this Cyclones team to achieve these feats because of the opponent coming in, as Kansas State will look to get revenge for what Iowa State did in last year’s rendition of the Farmageddon in Manhattan.

For those who need a refresher, the Cyclones stormed into the little apple and found a way to take down the Wildcats in a Snowmageddon fashion, behind the performance of then-freshman running back Abu Sama III.

Now behind a new quarterback in Avery Johnson, Kansas State will look to come into Ames and crush the hopes and dreams of Iowa State’s postseason hopes.

But do I think it’ll happen? Nope. 

Especially with it being at Jack Trice Stadium, I believe that the crowd will help fuel this Cyclones team that has long waited to reappear in Arlington and potentially win the conference title, along with a potential spot in the College Football Playoff.

Cayden Storm, Sports Reporter (9-2)

No. 18 Iowa State 19, No. 24 Kansas State 16

Well, the whole season comes down to this game. An Iowa State win more than likely clinches its spot in the Big 12 title game, its first 10-win season in program history and keeps the College Football Playoff hopes alive. 

On the other hand, a loss would be devastating. Losing a Big 12 Championship berth, a 10-win season and a chance at the College Football Playoff to one of your biggest rivals in Kansas State would be a terrible way to end an otherwise great season. 

This is without a doubt, the biggest game that will have ever been played at Jack Trice Stadium, and may be the biggest game in Iowa State history. 

Just like last season’s Farmageddon matchup, weather will play a factor. Last season the Cyclones won 42-35 on a snow-covered field. This season the Cyclones will try to beat the Wildcats in the bitter cold. 

The projected temperature at the time of kick-off is 20 F, which would be tied for the third coldest game ever played at Jack Trice Stadium. 

The Wildcats have a talented team, led by dual-threat quarterback Avery Johnson, who I think has the potential to give the Cyclone defense a lot of trouble. 

But, Iowa State will be backed by a raucous crowd of fans, who desperately want the Cyclones to continue one of the greatest seasons in program history. 

I think the weather keeps the game close and low-scoring, but Matt Campbell and his team get the job done when it matters most. 

Guest Editor (5-2): Isabel Monaco, Engagement Editor

No. 18 Iowa State 21, No. 24 Kansas State 17

The upcoming game against Kansas State has me feeling extremely optimistic. Not only is this a huge rivalry matchup, but it is an opportunity for the Cyclones to go 10-2 for the first time in school history. 

The fact that this is a home game is already a good sign for Iowa State, but Kansas State has a tough defense and the Iowa State offense needs to be prepared to battle that. 

On the other side of the ball, the Cyclone defense will have to gear up for the dual-threat quarterback that is Avery Johnson. I am predicting the Kansas State offense will lean on its ground game with both Johnson in the pocket and DJ Giddens as its lead running back. 

In the end, I can see Iowa State walking out of Jack Trice Stadium with a big win if it avoids a slow and low-producing first half.