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The Philadelphia Eagles can become the 10th team ever to repeat as Super Bowl champions. Since 2000, the defending Super Bowl champions have started the following year with a win on Kick-off Weekend in 20 of the past 25 seasons.

Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Chargers

Week One will see the first of the 2025 NFL regular season games played internationally as the reigning AFC champion Kansas City Chiefs and the Los Angeles Chargers meet on Saturday (1.20am Irish time) at Corinthians Arena in São Paulo, Brazil. This game will be streamed for free on YouTube.

The Chiefs have won seven consecutive games against the Chargers, with each of the last three wins featuring the game-winning go-ahead score in the final seven minutes of the fourth quarter.

New starting quarterbacks

Twelve teams are expected to have a different starting quarterback in Week 1 than started for them to open the season last year: Atlanta (Michael Penix Jr.) Cleveland (Joe Flacco), Indianapolis (Daniel Jones), Las Vegas (Geno Smith), Minnesota (J.J. McCarthy), New England (Drake Maye), New Orleans (Spencer Rattler), the New York Giants (Russell Wilson), the New York Jets (Justin Fields), Pittsburgh (Aaron Rodgers), Seattle (Sam Darnold) and Tennessee (Cam Ward).

Detroit at Green Bay

Since 2021, when Dan Cambell was hired as head coach, the Lions have a 6-2 record against the Packers, including three consecutive wins at Lambeau Field.

Houston at the Los Angeles Rams

The reigning AFC South champion Texans and reigning NFC West champion Rams are set to meet for the first time since 2021. Houston running back Nick Chubb and Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Davante Adams are expected to make their club debuts on Kick-off Weekend.

Baltimore at Buffalo

The only game on Kick-off Weekend that is a rematch from the 2024 postseason, the Bills and Ravens are set to meet for the fifth time in the past six seasons, including the playoffs.

In the 2024 AFC Divisional playoffs, the Bills defeated the Ravens at home, 27-25, while Baltimore earned a 35-10 home win over Buffalo in the regular season in Week 4.

When two-time Most Valuable Player Lamar Jackson (2019 and 2023) and the Baltimore Ravens visit reigning MVP Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, it will mark the fifth time ever that the two most recent MVPs will meet in Week 1.

Tampa Bay at Atlanta

Tampa Bay wide receiver Mike Evans leads all active players with 105 touchdown receptions and ranks second with 12,684 receiving yards entering the 2025 season. This year, Evans can become the first player in NFL history with at least 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first 12 career seasons.

Cincinnati at Cleveland

Cincinnati wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, in 2024, became the fifth player in NFL history to lead the league in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns, joining Pro Football Hall of Famers Jerry Rice (1990) and Sterling Sharpe (1992) as well as Steve Smith (2005) and Cooper Kupp (2021).

Since 1970, only three players have led the NFL in receiving yards in consecutive seasons: Pro Football Hall of Famers Andre Johnson (2008-09), Calvin Johnson (2011-12) and Rice (1989-90, 1993-95).

Pittsburgh at the New York Jets

Pittsburgh quarterback Aaron Rodgers enters the 2025 season leading all active players with 503 regular-season touchdown passes and 548 touchdown passes, including the postseason.

This season, he needs five touchdown passes to surpass Pro Football Hall of Famer Brett Favre (552 touchdown passes) for the fourth-most touchdown passes, including the postseason, in NFL history and six touchdown passes to surpass Favre (508 touchdown passes) for the fourth-most regular-season touchdown passes all-time.

Tennessee at Denver

The Tennessee Titans selected Cam Ward with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Since 1967, 19 quarterbacks have been selected with the first pick in the NFL Draft and started in Week 1 of their rookie season, including each of the past five quarterbacks chosen No. 1 overall [Caleb Williams (2024), Bryce Young (2023), Trevor Lawrence (2021), Joe Burrow (2020) and Kyler Murray (2019)].

Minnesota at Chicago

Minnesota quarterback J.J. McCarthy, the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, is expected to make his first NFL debut on Kick-off Weekend. McCarthy can become the fifth quarterback since 1990 to make his first career start on a Monday, joining Sam Darnold (September 10, 2018 at Detroit, with the New York Jets), Aaron Rodgers (September 8, 2008 vs. Minnesota, with Green Bay), Philip Rivers (September 11, 2006 at the Oakland Raiders, with San Diego) and Brian Griese (September 13, 1999 vs. Miami, with Denver).

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McIlroy, the career Grand Slam winner, claimed his first Irish professional title when winning the Irish Open by three strokes at the venue back in 2016.

Tee off times for round 1

McIlroy happy to be back

Remembering that victory, the County Down-native admitted:

“It’s lovely to be back. I’ve got some great memories of the K Club. I came here to watch the Ryder Cup in 2006 with my dad and to win my only Irish Open here nine years ago. It’s got a lot of great memories for me, and hopefully I can add to them this week.”

The five-time Major Champion will join fellow Irish golfers Shane Lowry, Pádraig Harrington and Séamus Power at the Palmer North Course as action gets underway on Thursday morning.

The former winner will start at 8am on the tenth hole as part of group 17.

Amgen Irish Open Ticket Information

Easy for Lowry to motivate himself

Lowry, like McIlroy, will attempt to win the Irish Open for a second time, having taken the title as an amateur at Baltray 16 years ago.

Speaking ahead of the start of this year’s Amgen Irish Open, the Offaly man, who tees off at the 10th hole at 7.50am Thursday morning with American Brooks Koepka and Frenchman Martin Couvra, said:

“I’m very excited. It’s good to be back here at a place I know pretty well. I get to stay in my own bed for a few days, which is nice. Things have been going pretty well and the week has been going very nice so far.

“I’ve got an exciting few weeks ahead, starting with this week. I think, as a golfer, as an Irish golfer, as a European golfer, if I can’t get myself motivated and ready and up for what’s to come over the next month, starting with Thursday at the Amgen Irish Open, I should pack it in.”

30 not out for Harrington

Three-time Major winner Pádraig Harrington will make his 30th consecutive appearance in the Irish Open.

Thinking ahead to the tournament, Harrington, who tees off at 7.40am on Thursday morning on the 10th hole, stated:

“I kind of now know that if I go out there tomorrow and I smile and don’t get too stressed, don’t get angry or anything like that, I pretty much can hit any shot, and they’ll still like me out there and still give me a few claps. I’m a little bit more relaxed about it. I’d love to play well and compete, but if that doesn’t happen, I will wave to the crowd, smile and wave at the crowds and enjoy it.”

Event Information & FAQs:

All the details you need, to be prepared for the #AmgenIrishOpen this week!

— Amgen Irish Open (@IrishOpen_) September 2, 2025

To win would mean everything to Power

Waterford golfer, Séamus Power, spoke today of his delight at playing in front of a home crowd.

The US-based golfer said:

“I don’t get to play in front of Irish fans that often but when I do it’s always great. They’re cheering you on every step of the way. Seeing friendly faces and stuff in the crowd, it goes a long way. In the afternoon with a rough stretch or something like that, it will keep me going. I suppose it’s rare for me, so that makes it even more special.

“It would mean everything to win this week. We were talking last night and going through Shane Lowry’s win at this event in 2009, and winning that, it would mean everything for me. I feel like in Ireland we really, really appreciate our own sports people. Golf is actually a sport that’s so popular now, and just to be part of the heritage of the tournament would be amazing. It would be a dream come true.”

Ryder Cup Captain Donald competing

Europe’s Ryder Cup Captain Luke Donald is also in this week’s field. The Englishman made his Captain’s Picks at the beginning of the week, and will be joined by three of the 12 players who will make up his team in New York later this month – McIlroy, Lowry and Englishman Tyrrell Hatton.

Birdies for Wishes Campaign

Title Sponsor Amgen have once again partnered with the DP World Tour for the Birdies for Wishes campaign, with Amgen and the DP World Tour donating €300 combined to Make a Wish Ireland for every birdie or better carded by the field on the first hole during the four tournament rounds.

The three Amgen ambassadors – Harrington, Lowry and Power – have committed to the fundraising effort, pledging to donate €500 for every birdie and €1,000 for every eagle they card during the week.

The post Strong Irish challenge for Amgen Irish Open at The K Club appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

McIlroy backs Donald’s Ryder Cup picks: “The right 12 players”

Rory McIlroy insists Europe head to New York with a stronger, more versatile Ryder Cup team than two years ago, while playing down Sergio Garcia’s disappointment at missing out on a wildcard.

No sympathy for Garcia

The Spaniard had been entered for the Amgen Irish Open at The K Club but withdrew before Luke Donald confirmed his captain’s picks. McIlroy was blunt when asked if he could understand Garcia’s frustration.

“No, I don’t. I mean, it would have been great for the tournament if Sergio played, but obviously, he was trying to keep himself sharp, I guess, if he did get a pick. Luke has assembled a very strong 12 players, and I think the right 12 players.”

McIlroy added that while Garcia may feel disappointed, “I’m sure he wishes Europe well and wants us to win.”

“A lot more flexibility than Rome”

Only one change has been made from the victorious side in Rome, with Rasmus Højgaard replacing his twin brother Nicolai. McIlroy believes every member has taken a step forward since 2023.

“The entire team has played some very good golf between Rome and now. You could argue that pretty much every player in the team is more accomplished than what they were two years ago.”

He also highlighted the strategic depth available to Donald: “When we went to Rome, you had some guys that were purely foursomes players, some guys that were purely fourball players. I think now we have a lot of flexibility within that 12 to change the dynamics around a little bit.”

Facing the Bethpage cauldron

Bethpage Black promises to provide one of the most partisan atmospheres in Ryder Cup history. McIlroy, however, relishes the prospect of an away win.

“I’ve said this repeatedly, but I think winning an away Ryder Cup is up there with one of the biggest achievements in the game. There’s a reason that every Ryder Cup for the last 10 years has went to the home team.”

With US President Donald Trump expected to attend, McIlroy drew inspiration from tennis. “I watched a little bit of Novak Djokovic… He’s been the best at handling that sort

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The Ireland team will include a number of World and European medallists and Olympians for the championships which take place at the Japan National Stadium from September 13th to September 21st.

Among those named on the Irish team are Sarah Healy (Women’s 1500m), Kate O’Connor (Women’s Heptathlon), Mark English (Men’s 800m), Sarah Lavin (100mH), Nicola Tuthill (Hammer), Andrew Coscoran (1500m), Cathal Doyle (1500m), Sophie Becker (Women’s 400m, Mixed 4x400m Relay and Women’s 4x400m Relay), and Sharlene Mawdsley (Women’s 400m, Mixed 4x400m Relay and Women’s 4x400m Relay).

Third World Athletics Championships for Sarah Healy

For Sarah Healy (UCD AC), Tokyo will be the 24-year-old’s third appearance at the World Athletics Championships. The Dubliner, who is based in Manchester training with M11 Track Club, will compete in the Women’s 1500m having won the European indoor 3000m title in March.

Healy will be joined in the 1500m by fellow Olympian Sophie O’Sullivan (Ballymore Cobh AC), and Laura Nicholson of Bandon AC. 

Finn Valley’s Mark English, a bronze medal winner in the Men’s 800m at the European Indoor Championships, clocked the six fastest ever times of his career in the last three months, lowering his Irish record down to 1:43.37 in Budapest. English will be joined in the 800m by UCD’s Cian McPhillips , who ran 1:44.34 last month in Oordegem.

Sarah Lavin will take to the World outdoors on the back of semi-final appearances at the two previous editions in Eugene (2022) and Budapest (2023). The Emerald AC sprinter will be hoping to progress through the rounds in one of the most high-class events in Tokyo.

Kate O’Connor among field events’ competitors

Irish field events will also be well represented in Tokyo. European and World Indoor medallist and World University Games champion Kate O’Connor (Dundalk St. Gerard’s AC) will aim to continue her outstanding season in the Women’s Heptathlon. O’Connor improved her Irish record in the seven-discipline event to 6487 points back in July.

Olympian Eric Favors (Raheny Shamrock AC) will represent Ireland in the shot where he’ll look to continue the form that saw him throw a 20.75m late last month.

Irish Relays’ members

2024 European Mixed 4x400m relay champion Sharlene Mawdsley (Newport AC) starred at the World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou, China, in May helping both the Mixed and Women’s 4x400m relay teams qualify for these championships. She has been selected for both relays, as well as the Women’s 400m alongside teammate Sophie Becker (Raheny Shamrock AC).

The Irish relay teams offer a blend of youth and experience across both the mixed and women’s 4x400m events with Rachel McCann (North Down AC), Jack Raftery (Donore Harriers), Conor Kelly (Finn Valley AC), Cillín Greene (Galway City Harriers), Clíodhna Manning (Kilkenny City Harriers), Michelle Duggan (UCD AC), and Jenna Breen (City of Lisburn AC) completing the line-ups.

European U23 and World University Games silver medallist Nicola Tuthill (UCD AC) is also selected. The Cork native will compete in the Women’s Hammer Throw, an event where she has improved her personal best and Irish U23 record to 71.75m this summer. 

Cathal Doyle (Clonliffe Harriers) and Andrew Coscoran (Star of the Sea AC) will contest the men’s 1500m, while Coscoran will also join Brian Fay (Raheny Shamrock AC) and Bantry’s Darragh McElhinney on the starting line in the men’s 5000m.

Europe’s fasters 10,000m runner

Clonliffe Harriers’ Efrem Gidey, Europe’s fastest athlete over 10,000m this season, will be Ireland’s only representative in the men’s 10,000m. Marathon runners Hiko Tonosa (Dundrum South Dublin AC), Peter Lynch (Kilkenny City Harriers) and Fionnuala McCormack (Kilcoole AC) will also compete in Tokyo.

Walkers David Kenny (Farranfore Maine Valley AC) will compete in the 20km Race Walk, while Oisín Lane (Mullingar Harriers) will start in the 35km Race Walk.

The 20th edition of the World Athletics Championships will be broadcast live on RTÉ television.  

 Tokyo 2025 Ireland Team:

Sarah Healy

Event: Women’s 1500m

Club: UCD AC

Coach: Trevor Painter & Jenny Meadows

Sophie O’Sullivan

Event: Women’s 1500m

Club: Ballymore Cobh AC

Coach: Collis Birmingham

Laura Nicholson

Event: Women’s 1500m

Club: Bandon AC

Coach: Andrea McDonough

Mark English

Event: Men’s 800m

Club: Finn Valley AC

Coach: Justin Rinaldi

Cian McPhillips

Event: Men’s 800m

Club: UCD AC

Coach: Joe Ryan

Sarah Lavin

Event: Women’s 100m Hurdles

Club: Emerald AC

Coach: Noelle Morrissey

Sharlene Mawdsley

Event: Women’s 400m, Mixed 4x400m Relay & Women’s 4x400m Relay

Club: Newport AC

Coach: Tony Lester

Sophie Becker

Event: Women’s 400m, Mixed 4x400m Relay & Women’s 4x400m Relay

Club: Raheny Shamrock AC

Coach: Gerard O’Donnell & Aideen Sinnott

Cathal Doyle

Event: Men’s 1500m

Club: Clonliffe Harriers

Coach: Jon Bigg

Andrew Coscoran

Event: Men’s 1500m & Men’s 5000m

Club: Star of the Sea AC

Coach: Helen Clitheroe

Kate O’Connor

Event: Women’s Heptathlon

Club: Dundalk St. Gerard’s AC

Coach: Michael O’Connor & Tom Reynolds

Nicola Tuthill

Event: Women’s Hammer Throw

Club: UCD AC

Coach: Killian Barry

Brian Fay

Event: Men’s 5000m

Club: Raheny Shamrock AC

Coach: Nic Bideau

Darragh McElhinney

Event: Men’s 5000m

Club: Bantry AC

Coach: Emmett Dunleavy

Efrem Gidey

Event: Men’s 10,000m

Club: Clonliffe Harriers

Coach: Andy Hobdell

David Kenny

Event: Men’s 20km Race Walk

Club: Farranfore Maine Valley AC

Coach: Jamie Costin

Oisín Lane

Event: Men’s 35km Race Walk

Club: Mullingar Harriers

Coach: Michael Lane

Eric Favors

Event: Men’s Shot Put

Club: Raheny Shamrock AC

Coach: Dane Miller

Fionnuala McCormack

Event: Women’s Marathon

Club: Kilcoole AC

Coach: Alan McCormack

Hiko Tonosa

Event: Men’s Marathon

Club: Dundrum South Dublin AC

Coach: Gemedu Dedefo

Peter Lynch

Event: Men’s Marathon

Club: Kilkenny City Harriers

Coach: Alistair Cragg

Rachel McCann

Event: Mixed 4x400m Relay & Women’s 4x400m Relay

Club: North Down AC

Coach: Ian Neely

Jack Raftery

Event: Mixed 4x400m Relay

Club: Donore Harriers

Coach: Gerard O’Donnell

Conor Kelly

Event: Mixed 4x400m Relay

Club: Finn Valley AC

Coach: Paul Miller

Cillín Greene

Event: Mixed 4x400m Relay

Club: Galway City Harriers

Coach: Gerard O’Donnell & Aideen Sinnott

Clíodhna Manning

Event: Women’s 4x400m Relay

Club: Kilkenny City Harriers

Coach: Peter Lyons

Michelle Duggan

Event: Women’s 4x400m Relay

Club: UCD AC

Coach: Adam McMullen

Jenna Breen

Event: Women’s 4x400m Relay

Club: City of Lisburn AC

Coach: Grant Barker

Érin Friel

Event: Women’s 4x400m Relay – Non travelling reserve

Club: Letterkenny AC

Coach: Kathryn McDevitt

Ciaran Carthy

Event: Mixed 4x400m Relay – Non travelling reserve

Club: Dundrum South Dublin AC

Coach: Kenneth Kiernan & Ed Carthy

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Sky Sports will continue to have the first-choice game on Sunday at 6pm and the first pick for the Sunday 9pm slot.

Irish NFL fans will have a greater choice this season, as Sky will have a second 6pm game and two other 9pm games shown live concurrently on Sky Sports.

The first NFL regular season game to take place in Ireland, Minnesota Vikings v Pittsburgh Steelers at Croke Park this month, will be live on Sky, as will all the London regular season NFL games, and the Commanders v Dolphins game in Madrid.

As a result, the 2025-26 season will see an almost 50% increase in the number of live NFL games available on Sky Sports, as the broadcaster extends its longstanding partnership with the NFL to over 30 years.

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Along with the Irish golfer, for whom it will be a third appearance in the competition, Donald named Ludvig Åberg, Matt Fitzpatrick, Viktor Hovland, Jon Rahm and Sepp Straka as his six Captain’s Picks.

They join the six automatic qualifiers – Tommy Fleetwood, Tyrrell Hatton, Rasmus Højgaard, Robert MacIntyre, Rory McIlroy and Justin Rose – to compete the 12-man European team for the 2025 Ryder Cup in New York.

McIlroy will be the most experienced player on the team with seven previous appearance in the biennial competition.

The contest against the United States, will take place at Bethpage Black, Farmington, New York, from September 26-28.

First away Ryder Cup

Sweden’s Åberg and Straka of Austria will each be playing in their first away Ryder Cup, having made their debuts in the 16 ½ – 11 ½ victory in Rome two years ago.

Norwegian Hovland, who paired up with fellow Scandinavian Åberg in a record-breaking foursomes win in Rome, will be making his third consecutive appearance.

Fourth Ryder Cup for Fitzpatrick and Rahm

Englishman Fitzpatrick and Spain’s Rahm are the most experienced of the Captain’s Picks, with three previous appearances apiece. Fitzpatrick teed it up in 2016, 2021 and 2023, with Rahm now making it four in a row, following his debut in Paris in 2018.

11 of the 12 players from Rome return

European Ryder Cup captain, Luke Donald, said of his side:

“We are a settled and united team with a strong culture, with 11 of the 12 players from the victory in Rome returning, and an exciting, talented rookie in Rasmus Højgaard, who was around our team environment in Rome.

“We also have a lot of experience and that is going to be important going to Bethpage because we know the challenge that awaits us.

“Although the team itself is similar to Rome, I have approached this captaincy from a very different angle. A different challenge requires different thinking and strategies.

“I’m excited that we now have our 12 players in place, and together we are all fully focused on trying to retain the Ryder Cup in New York and trying to create history.”

EUROPEAN TEAM FOR THE 2025 RYDER CUP

Ludvig Åberg (Sweden). Age 25. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 1 (2023)

Matt Fitzpatrick (England). Age 31. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 3 (2016, 2021, 2023)

Tommy Fleetwood (England) Age 34. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 3 (2018, 2021, 2023)

Tyrrell Hatton (England). Age 33. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 3 (2018, 2021, 2023)

Rasmus Højgaard (Denmark) Age 24. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 0 (Rookie)

Viktor Hovland (Norway). Age 27. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 2 (2021, 2023)

Shane Lowry. Age 38. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 2 (2021, 2023)

Robert MacIntyre (Scotland). Age 29. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 1 (2023)

Rory McIlroy. Age 36. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 7 (2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2021, 2023)

Jon Rahm (Spain). Age 30. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 3 (2018, 2021, 2023)

Justin Rose (England) Age 45. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 6 (2008, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2023)

Sepp Straka (Austria). Age 32. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 1 (2023)

The post Shane Lowry among Luke Donald’s 6 Ryder Cup picks appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Iowa State Cyclones gained a narrow 24-21 win over the Kansas State Wildcats in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday evening.

The game produced six touchdowns – three per team – with a field goal from Cyclones’ kicker Konrardy the decisive score of the game.

The meeting of the Kansas State Wildcats and the Iowa State Cyclones was the opening game of Week 0 of the US College Football season.

Cyclones take lead

The designated away side, Iowa State, took the lead 3 minutes 26 seconds from the end of what was an error-prone opening quarter.

A 23-yard pass from quarterback Rocco Becht found wide receiver Dominic Overby in the corner for the game’s opening touchdown – the end result of four plays for 49 yards.

Becht to Overby for six!

ESPN pic.twitter.com/tKh3aEyHvY

— Iowa State Football (@CycloneFB) August 23, 2025

Kicker Kyle Konrardy was successful adding the extra score for a 7-0 lead for the Cyclones.

Wildcats level the score

The Wildcats struck back in the opening seconds of the second quarter. Avery Johnson raced in for a 10 yard touchdown at the end of eight plays and 65 yards. With Luis Rodriguez kicking the extra point, the sides were level at 7-7.

Avery Johnson uses his legs to tie up the game

ESPN pic.twitter.com/AJRtufbYDM

— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) August 23, 2025

Kyle Konrardy had an opportunity to put Kansas back into the lead with a field goal attempt with 4:13 to play to half-time. After 12 plays, and on fourth and nine, the 49-yard effort was right and wide of the posts.

Half-time: Kansas State Wildcats 7  Iowa State Cyclones 7

Eskildsen’s composure in end zone

Brett Eskildsen showed excellent composure and great strength in the end zone when on the receiving end of a 24 yard pass from Rocco Becht.

First career TD catch for @EskildsenBrett was a beauty

ESPN pic.twitter.com/iVEs78gTWA

— Iowa State Football (@CycloneFB) August 23, 2025

The wide receiver caught the ball despite the Wildcats’ defensive presence. The touchdown from the sophomore was added to by Kyle Konrardy’s second successful kick of the game, coming after 11 plays and 67 yards.

As a result Iowa State had a double-score advantage, 14-7, in this Big 12 clash, at the end of the third quarter.

Back on level terms

Similar to earlier in the game, the Wildcats immediately responded on going behind to Iowa State.

On third down and three, quarterback Avery Johnson delivered an accurately judged 37 yard pass to Jayce Brown who raced into the end zone for his side’s second touchdown of the evening.

TOUCHDOWN BROWN#Big12FB | @KStateFB |ESPN pic.twitter.com/2wVTy0F6DR

— Big 12 Studios (@big12studios) August 23, 2025

Luis Rodriguez maintained his 100% success record when kicking a second conversion to level the score at 14-14 with slightly over 14 minutes remaining in the 2025 Aer Lingus College Football Classic.

Field Goal for Konrardy

With Cyclones’ next drive coming to an end, when fourth and five, Iowa State was forced to take a field goal attempt.

Konrardy’s effort was good from 34 yards, as he edged his team into a three-point lead, with 10:04 remaining on the game clock.

With the Wildcats only making 9 yards from four plays on their next drive, Iowa State was soon back in possession of the football.

The Cyclones had two first downs in their four-play drive before Becht ran in from seven yards for his side’s third touchdown of the game.

Konrardy again kicked successfully for a 24-14 advantage.

65-yard score

Just as many in the crowd thought the best action of the game was over, Kansas State again immediately replied with a converted touchdown.

With a first down on their own 35 yard line, Avery Johnson passed to his wide receiver Gerand Bradley who raced for a successful 65 yard touchdown.

IT’S A SECOND-HALF SLUGFEST IN DUBLIN @KStateFB swings right back as Avery Johnson zips it to Jerand Bradley for the 65-yard score.#Big12FB | ESPN pic.twitter.com/D7ELyv1fhv

— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) August 23, 2025

Rodriguez was yet again perfect with his kicking, leaving just three points between the sides, a difference that would be maintained until the end.

Final score: Kansas State Wildcats 21  Iowa State Cyclones 24

First Big 12 game in Ireland

The long-running rivalry between the sides, known as “Farmageddon” was the first Big 12 clash in Ireland and the 13th time Dublin has hosted a US College Football game.

With more than 24,000 US visitors descending on the capital this weekend, the event is a major economic boost for the country, estimated at €130 million.

With the game live on ESPN in the USA, the US College Football audience’s attention was very much on the Emerald Isle on Saturday.

The Keough-Naughton College Football Ireland trophy was presented to the winners.

2026 and 2027 Dublin games

Games for 2026 and 2027 have already been confirmed for the Aviva Stadium.

Texas Christian University and the University of North Carolina will travel to Dublin next season.

In 2027, Pittsburgh and Wisconsin will open the season when they clash at Aviva Stadium.

The post Cyclones beat Wildcats 24-21 in Aer Lingus Classic appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Pittsburgh Steelers Fantasy Football Outlook 2025

The Steelers’ backfield and receiving group are a fascinating puzzle for fantasy managers this season. With rookie running back Kaleb Johnson’s red-zone appeal, Jaylen Warren’s proven versatility, and Roman Wilson’s blazing speed on the outside, Pittsburgh offers upside—but plenty of risk too.

Sleeper: Kaleb Johnson (RB)

Rookie running back Kaleb Johnson enters the NFL as a physical runner with size (6’1”, 225 lbs) and power to spare. While his 4.57-second 40-yard dash leaves him a step behind the elite speed backs in this class, he projects as an early-down and short-yardage weapon. His pass-blocking limitations mean he won’t immediately feature on third downs, but his patience and vision allow him to thrive when given rhythm carries.

Pittsburgh drafted Johnson in the third round to help fill the void left by Najee Harris’s free agency departure. He’s expected to lead the team in carries and could emerge as the go-to option at the goal line. Ranked RB23 in preseason PPR formats, Johnson’s ADP (60–82 in recent drafts) suggests managers view him as a mid-round value pick with touchdown upside.

Deep Sleeper: Roman Wilson (WR)

Roman Wilson brings a different dimension to the Steelers’ passing attack. Drafted in the third round of 2024, the former Michigan standout boasts sub-4.40 speed and the fluidity to separate deep. At 5’11” and 185 lbs, he isn’t built to dominate physically, and he remains raw in his route running, particularly against press coverage. Still, Wilson flashes the ability to track the ball and create yards after the catch.

His rookie year was cut short by a hamstring injury, limiting him to just five snaps. However, he made a quick impression in preseason action with a pair of catches for 24 yards. Entering 2025, Wilson profiles as the Steelers’ WR2 behind George Pickens, and if he stays healthy, he has the tools to stretch defenses and carve out a role as a fantasy waiver-wire gem.

Fantasy Verdict

Kaleb Johnson should be viewed as a touchdown-dependent RB2/FLEX option, while Roman Wilson is worth monitoring as a late-season upside stash. The Steelers’ offense remains unpredictable, but hidden value exists in both their backfield and wide receiver corps for managers willing to take the gamble.

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Steelers 19–10 Panthers

Pittsburgh saw off Carolina 19–10, but the win came with a concern on the defensive line. Here are the key takeaways from both sidelines.

Steelers

• Injury worry: Rookie first-rounder Derrick Harmon was carted off with a knee injury and was quickly ruled out. At half-time, Mike Tomlin said the defensive end was “being evaluated”.
• Depth already tested: Veteran Dean Lowry suffered an ACL tear earlier in camp, thinning the DL rotation.
• What it means: Expect Pittsburgh to explore a veteran addition — whether via a late trade or a cut-down-day pickup — to bolster depth up front.
• Next game: at New York Jets — Sun, 7 Sept (1 p.m. ET).

Panthers

• Reading the inactives: Carolina sat 33 players. Notably, wide receiver Brycen Tremayne got the night off, while veterans Hunter Renfrow and David Moore suited up.
• WR picture: Tremayne’s rest could signal an edge for the sixth or seventh receiver spot after a solid pre-season — or an attempt to keep him under the radar for the practice squad.
• Trade auditions? Getting Renfrow and Moore on the field may have doubled as a shop window. One of the two likely makes the 53; Renfrow’s comeback is a great story, but has he shown enough?

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