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 being 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 Konrady has 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 endzone

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 scores 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 endzone 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 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.

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.

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 24  Iowa State Cyclones 21

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.

The post Pittsburgh Steelers Fantasy Football 2025 – Sleepers Kaleb Johnson & Roman Wilson appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The post Andrew Moran seals half-season loan to LAFC appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The post Ireland vs Japan – Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Preview, TV Info & Betting Tips appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

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?

The post Steelers 19–10 Panthers: Injury scare for Derrick Harmon, WR battle for Carolina appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The 54-hole stroke play tournament is part of the Ladies European Tour Access Series (LETAS), will see 126 players from across Europe competing for a €45,000 prize fund.

Representing Ireland will be Olivia Mehaffey, Áine Donegan (a), Emma Fleming (a), Roisín Scanlon (a), Anna Abom (a), Olivia Hunt, Olivia Costello (a), Anna Dawson (a) and Aideen Walsh (a).

The inclusion if a number of Irish golfers will offer fans the chance to watch our homegrown talent compete against international superstars right here on Irish soil.

First Women’s Irish Challenge

LET Access Series

The post First-ever Women’s Irish Challenge at Malahide Golf Club 27–29 August appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The Irish golfer, starting on the first, made three birdies on the front nine to turn in 32. Seven straight pars followed on the back before he closed out his round with back-to-back gains, which included a hole out on the par five 18th.

The 32-year-old, who sits one shot clear at the top of the leaderboard, was pleased with his first round effort in testing conditions at The Dutch.

Tricky conditions

“It was very tricky out there today,” he said. “I think there were only two holes, one into the wind and one downwind, the rest were crosswind, so it was quite tricky.

“The front nine was reasonably calm but, as I say, there were a lot of crosswinds, and it was quite gusty.

“It was hard to tell if it was slightly into or slightly down, which caught me out a couple of times, especially with the wedge shots.”

McElory has missed three consecutive cuts on the Road to Mallorca and currently sits 94th in the Rankings with six events to play before the Rolex Grand Final supported by The R&A.

McElroy hoping for good week

However, after starting the week positively in the Netherlands, the Irishman is optimistic about his changes heading into the latter stages of the season.

“A good week here would be huge,” he added.

“To be honest, I’ve played terrible all year barring one good result. I’ve been practicing really hard all season, and I’m really pleased with how I am starting to hit the ball.”

“I think I did everything well out there today. I drove the ball well and my iron play was good. I only missed a couple of greens and managed to get up and down.”

Frenchman Nathan Legendre and Scot Euan Walker sit one shot back on four under par. Spanish duo Lucas Vacarisas and Santiago Tarrio, French pair Maxence Giboudot and Andoni Etchenique, New Zealander Sam Jones, German Tiger Christensen, the UAE’s Joshua Grenville-Wood and South African Daniel van Tonder all sit at three under par.

Select scores after round one (Irish players in bold):

 66 D MCELROY, 
67 N LEGENDRE (FRA), E WALKER (SCO),
68 S TARRIO (ESP), A ETCHENIQUE (FRA), J GRENVILLE-WOOD (UAE), T CHRISTENSEN (GER), L VACARISAS (ESP), M GIBOUDOT (FRA), D VAN TONDER (RSA), S JONES (NZL),
 71 J MADDEN, J AXELSEN (DEN), Q VIDAL (ESP), V VAN VEEN (NED), L NOLAN, T LEWIS (ENG), G BLOOR (ENG), B KEWALRAMANI (USA), B KEDOCHIM (FRA), B SKOGEN (NOR), A SETTEMSDAL (NOR), K KIM (AM) (ENG), T SCHMIDT (AM) (GER), J QUESNE (FRA), H HOPEWELL (AUS), F CELLI (ITA), M KENNEDY, C JACOBSEN (DEN), A MAGUIRE, N INFANTI (USA),
72 D MULLIGAN, A KLEEN (SWE), S MANLEY (WAL), A ZEMMER (ITA), J PERICO (PER), O HUGGINS (ENG), B BROWN (ENG), S LOCKE (SCO), R EVANS (ENG), S MULLANE (AM) (UAE), O WILSON (ENG), J G?TH-RASMUSSEN (DEN), W NIENABER (RSA), J RUTHERFORD (ENG), J CALDWELL, A HERNANDEZ CABEZUELA (ESP), M BESARD (BEL), B BAWDEN (ENG), J MURPHY,
74 P MCBRIDE,
75  J GALBRAITH, R MORAN 

The post Dermot McElroy leads The Dutch Futures after first round 66 appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Yet, for those paying attention, those odds might represent one of the best value bets in recent years.

Here’s why the Blues could genuinely go all the way this season.

1. World Champions: Confidence Comes with Silverware

Let’s start with the headline: Chelsea are the reigning Club World Cup champions.

And it wasn’t just the win — it was the manner of it. A 3-0 dismantling of a red-hot PSG side that had dominated Europe last season sent a message across the footballing world. The Blues pressed high, transitioned with speed, and outclassed the French champions in every department.

The stats were as dominant as the performance:

That match was more than a trophy – it was a statement of intent. Chelsea didn’t just win; they belonged. In an elite clash on neutral soil, they were clearly the better team.

And belief is everything. That win could be the catalyst that turns potential into trophies back home.

2. Cole Palmer: The New Heartbeat of Chelsea

Every title-winning side has a talisman. For City, it’s Haaland. For Liverpool, Salah. For Arsenal, Ødegaard. For Chelsea, it’s Cole Palmer.

Palmer’s rise has been meteoric. Once considered a rotation option, he’s now the club’s centrepiece — and statistically, he’s entering elite territory:

What sets Palmer apart, though, is versatility. He can operate as a No.10, wide forward, or even lead the line when needed. His standout performance in the Club World Cup final — two goals, one assist, and relentless movement — earned him the Player of the Tournament title and underlined his ability to shine under pressure.

Chelsea may have lacked a true leader in attack in recent years. With Palmer, they now have a player who can carry a title charge.

3. A Reinvented Attack

Creating chances wasn’t the problem last season. Chelsea averaged 16.7 chances per game — the most in the league. But with just 1.32 goals per game, they struggled to convert dominance into wins.

Now, that’s changing.

Enter Joao Pedro. Signed from Brighton for £60m, he brings both pressing intensity and finishing prowess. With 0.71 non-penalty goals per 90 minutes and a stellar Club World Cup showing (three goals in three games), Pedro gives Chelsea a ruthless edge they’ve lacked since the days of Drogba and Costa.

Add Liam Delap to the mix — fresh off a breakout stint at Ipswich where he netted 10 goals in the final two months — and suddenly, Enzo Maresca has options.

Combine these with a fit-again Nkunku and a maturing Jackson, and Chelsea’s previously fragile forward line is now a four-pronged threat.

4. Maresca’s System Is Finally Clicking

Enzo Maresca had a mixed start last season, with glimpses of promise offset by inconsistency. But by the end of the year — particularly in the Club World Cup — his tactical vision was fully on display.

His high-pressing, possession-based system requires smart movement, energy, and ball control. With the likes of Palmer, Enzo Fernández, and new signings bedding in, the team now looks fully aligned with his philosophy.

Maresca’s Chelsea can go:

That tactical flexibility — and now, the squad depth to support it — makes them dangerous across all kinds of matches. Title winners aren’t just pretty on the ball; they’re adaptable. And Chelsea look like they’re getting there.

5. Bookies Are Underestimating the Blues

Let’s talk numbers. Chelsea are 10/1 to win the title. That implies a 9.09% chance of them finishing top — lower than what many fans and pundits would suggest after their summer and Club World Cup triumph.

In reality, if you believe there are four true contenders (Liverpool, City, Arsenal, Chelsea), the actual chance should be closer to 25% in a vacuum.

Of course, Liverpool and City will remain formidable. Arsenal are progressing well. But Chelsea now have:

They’re no longer rebuilding. They’re ready.

Final Whistle

It’s easy to overlook Chelsea after a few underwhelming league finishes. But those who watched their evolution — particularly this summer — know that something special is brewing at Stamford Bridge.

They have the swagger of champions again.
The squad is balanced.
The goals are flowing.
The belief is back.

And in a league where momentum matters as much as money, don’t be surprised if the Blues go from dark horses to Premier League winners in 2025/26.

Doubt them at your peril.

The post Why Chelsea Could Win the Premier League in 2025/26 appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

This connection is not just about football; it represents a cultural bond that has deepened over decades. As football betting gains popularity, more Irish fans are placing wagers on Liverpool fixtures, offering insights into fan engagement and the evolving landscape of sports betting in Ireland.

The relationship between Irish fans and Liverpool FC is multifaceted, encompassing a shared history and passion for the sport. This enthusiasm is now extending into the betting world, where fans are increasingly engaging with betting sites in Ireland to place their wagers. The thrill of predicting match outcomes adds another layer of excitement for supporters, enhancing their match-day experience. As interest in sports betting rises, understanding these patterns becomes crucial for both fans and industry stakeholders.

Impact of Liverpool’s success on Irish fan enthusiasm

The outcomes of Liverpool matches have a profound impact on the enthusiasm levels among Irish supporters. Victories often lead to jubilant celebrations that extend beyond the stadiums, energising local communities and strengthening the bond between Liverpool FC and Ireland. Fans revel in their team’s success, which fuels further passion and loyalty towards the club. This heightened enthusiasm can lead to increased engagement with subsequent matches as fans anticipate continued victories or redemption after losses. The emotional rollercoaster experienced by supporters adds depth to their relationship with the club, fostering enduring connections that transcend mere fandom.

In addition to personal satisfaction, successful match results can drive increased interaction within fan communities. Discussions about tactics and player performances often intensify following significant wins or losses, creating vibrant dialogues that enhance collective engagement with the sport. The bond between Liverpool FC and Ireland is evident in these interactions, illustrating the deep-rooted connection shared by fans across borders.

Irish fan culture and its influence on betting

Irish fans have a unique culture that influences their betting patterns on Liverpool games. Many supporters consider team form and injuries before placing their bets, as these elements can significantly influence game outcomes. Historical data also plays a critical role, providing fans with insights into past performances that guide their decision-making. This analytical approach to betting reflects a growing sophistication among enthusiasts who seek to maximise their chances of success.

Betting on Liverpool matches often involves predicting not just the winner, but also specific aspects like goal scorers and final scores. Such diversified bets add depth to the engagement, allowing fans to immerse themselves in the nuances of each game. The emotional investment in the team heightens this experience, making every match a spectacle beyond just the sport itself.

Additionally, social interactions play a part in shaping betting behaviours. Fans frequently discuss strategies and share tips within community circles, contributing to a collective knowledge base that influences individual choices. This communal aspect underscores the social dimension of sports betting among Irish Liverpool supporters.

The role of betting sites in Ireland

The presence of betting sites in Ireland is pivotal in promoting responsible gambling practices among fans. These platforms offer a range of features designed to ensure safe and enjoyable experiences for users. Tools such as deposit limits and self-exclusion options empower bettors to manage their activities responsibly, reducing potential risks associated with gambling.

Moreover, educational resources provided by these sites enhance users’ understanding of responsible betting practices. By offering insights into odds calculations and risk management strategies, they equip bettors with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions. This proactive approach reflects an industry-wide commitment to safeguarding players while supporting their engagement with sports events.

The seamless integration of technology also enhances user experiences on these platforms. Features like live streaming and real-time updates keep fans connected during matches, providing them with immediate access to information that could influence their bets. This dynamic environment mirrors the fast-paced nature of modern sports events, aligning perfectly with fan expectations.

The post Liverpool FC’s Special Bond with Ireland: From Fan Culture to Football Betting Trends appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The winner came from the leading group that broke away just a few kilometres into the 207-kilometre race in Hamburg.

Rory Townsend (Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team) had broken away with Dries De Pooter (Intermarché-Wanty), Johan Jacobs (Groupama-FDJ), and Nelson Oliveira (Movistar Team), building a lead of more than five minutes at one point.

They were the first to cross the finish line on Mönckebergstraße. As the race approached the third ascent of the Waseberg, the peloton began to increase the pace significantly. In the following kilometres, the gap began to shrink steadily.

By the final climb, the breakaway’s lead had been reduced to just 20 seconds with 16 kilometres to go. What followed was a nail-biting finale. For a long time, the gap stayed steady, but over the last three kilometres it started to fall.

As the peloton reached Mönckebergstraße, it was just 100 metres behind. It was only enough to catch some of the breakaway, however.

Townsend sprinted as if his life depended on it – and managed to hold off Arnaud De Lie (Lotto) and Paul Magnier (Soudal Quick-Step) by the slimmest of margins to give his team a first WorldTour victory.

The post Rory Townsend wins ADAC Cyclassics in Hamburg appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.