The college football season got off to a chaotic start in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic. After Kansas State forced Iowa State to punt on its opening drive, running back Dylan Edwards muffed the punt and was injured on the play. Shortly after, Iowa State fumbled the ball back to the Wildcats, leaving college fans frustrated with the sloppy start to the season.
Dylan Edwards’ Early Mistake Sparks Frustration in Iowa State vs. Kansas State Opener
Edwards, slated to be the Wildcats’ lead back in 2025, made a negative first impression on the season by muffing a punt early in the game.
MUFFED PUNT IN THE OPENING GAME 😮 pic.twitter.com/jvsip0dBdV
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) August 23, 2025
Shortly after Edwards muffed the punt, Iowa State back Abu Sama III lost control of the ball, resulting in another fumble that gave the ball back to the Wildcats.
IOWA STATE FUMBLES ON THE GOAL LINE 😱
KANSAS STATE GETS THE BALL RIGHT BACK‼️
📺 ESPN pic.twitter.com/hvNzMEpvwt
— ESPN (@espn) August 23, 2025
Fans quickly criticized the sloppy start to the 2025 season, with one even calling both teams trash.
This game is trash vs trash
— Gary Vanachek (@GVanachek) August 23, 2025
“This game is trash vs trash,” the fan wrote.
Another fan pointed out the chaos of the game’s start, noting that there were two turnovers in just the first five minutes of play.
What a ridiculous start to the season, multiple turnovers in the first 5 mins
— Toast Sports (@Toast_Sports) August 23, 2025
“What a ridiculous start to the season, multiple turnovers in the first 5 mins,” they posted to X.
Given his past ball security troubles, one fan was not surprised that Edwards fumbled the open punt, writing, “What a shock.”
Another fan criticized Iowa State’s offensive coordinator for calling a pitch play from the 1-yard line in rainy conditions, saying, “Maybe the dumbest call of all time by Taylor Mouser. An inside pitch from the 1 yard line in the rain,”
While many were quick to criticize, one person did note that, given that it was the first game of 2025, it made sense for the players to be nervous.
First game jitters!
— 𝑩𝒓𝒂𝒙𝒕𝒐𝒏 (@braxtonproper) August 23, 2025
“First game jitters!” the fan said.
The ball security issues didn’t end after the first quarter, as both teams have turned the ball over again. The rain in Dublin is certainly a factor, but it’s clear neither team is protecting the football well.
Despite the turnovers, both the Cyclones and the Wildcats have shown offensive flashes, with each team scoring a touchdown so far. This game is crucial for both programs, as a win would give them an early lead in conference play. To come out on top, both teams must prioritize protecting the football.
The game continues with coverage on ESPN.
