College football is set to make a grand return as Top 25 teams Iowa State(#22) and Kansas State(#17) face off at Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Saturday, marking the Big 12 conference’s showcase during week zero.

The game, scheduled for 11:00 AM Iowa time (5:00 PM Dublin time), will see both teams making their final preparations in a venue that offers an iconic atmosphere. Tens of thousands of American fans are expected to fill the stadium, creating a vibrant environment for the season opener.

“It’s got just an iconic vibe to it,” said Iowa State head football coach Matt Campbell, emphasizing the significance of playing in such a renowned stadium. “Obviously, we know and respect how special this rivalry is, so you throw those two things out and it just makes it for a really special occasion, and we respect that and hopefully we can be the best versions of ourselves as we get into Saturday’s game.”

The anticipation for the game is palpable, with both teams eager to showcase their skills after a long off-season. The matchup between Iowa State and Kansas State is seen as a fitting choice for the Big 12’s week zero showcase, highlighting the competitive spirit of both universities.

Players and fans alike are excited to experience the unique setting of Dublin, although the primary focus remains on the game itself. “I think the whole team is just excited to be hereooo,” said Cyclone defensive tackle Domonique Orange, expressing the collective eagerness to start the season strong.

The presence of a large contingent of American fans underscores the game’s appeal, promising a lively and supportive atmosphere at Aviva Stadium. This international setting adds an extra layer of excitement to the season opener, as both teams aim to deliver a memorable performance.

As Iowa State and Kansas State prepare to clash in Dublin, the game promises to be a thrilling start to the college football season, with fans and players ready to embrace the unique opportunity presented by this international showcase.

All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by WHO 13 News. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat from a broadcast script into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by WHO 13 News staff before being published.