In the highly anticipated Week 0 matchup between Kansas State and Iowa State in Dublin, Ireland, the performance of each team's running backs will be absolutely critical. Both head coaches, Chris Klieman for Kansas State and Matt Campbell for Iowa State, understand the importance of establishing a strong ground game to control the clock and set up their offensive schemes.

For Kansas State, the focus will be on Dylan Edwards. With DJ Giddens now in the NFL, Edwards is set to step into a more prominent role, carrying the load for the Wildcats. His ability to break tackles and gain crucial yardage will be vital in sustaining drives and putting points on the board against a stout Iowa State defense.

On the other side, Iowa State will lean heavily on Carson Hansen and Abu Sama III. These two backs offer a potent combination of power and agility. Under Coach Campbell's guidance, their collective rushing attack will be instrumental in dictating the tempo of the game and alleviating pressure on their passing game.

Given the early-season setting and the unique environment of an international game, a reliable running game will be essential for both squads to settle in and execute effectively. The success of Dylan Edwards for Kansas State and the duo of Carson Hansen and Abu Sama III for Iowa State could very well determine which team starts their 2025 campaign with a significant Big 12 victory.

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Big 12 football shakeup: Conference merger talks heat up as Brett Yormark takes on the SEC. Is a new Power 3 on the horizon?

Drake and the squad break down the potential Big 12-ACC merger, analyzing its impact on college football's landscape. The conversation shifts to Commissioner Yormark's bold stance against SEC dominance and the ongoing Jake Retzlaff situation at BYU. Jake Hatch from Locked on BYU Cougars provides insider perspective on the Cougars' quarterback options, including McKay Hillstead and Bear Bachmeier.

Tune in for expert analysis on conference realignment, power dynamics, and BYU's critical next 30 days as the Big 12 media day approaches.

The landscape of college athletics is constantly shifting, with the Big Ten and SEC often perceived as the dominant forces shaping its future, especially regarding the College Football Playoff. However, for the Iowa State Cyclones and the entire Big 12 conference, this narrative shouldn't be a source of anxiety. Instead, it underscores their critical need to maintain and assert their autonomy in the evolving collegiate sports world.

The Big 12, despite its recent realignments, has shown resilience and a clear vision for its future. Its members, including Iowa State, possess unique identities and fan bases that contribute significantly to the broader college sports ecosystem. Decisions around playoff expansion, revenue sharing, and even the very structure of amateur athletics must reflect the interests of all conferences, not just the perceived "power brokers."

The Cyclones and the Big 12 are not passive recipients of policy; they are active participants. By presenting a united front, advocating for fair representation, and emphasizing the competitive balance and fan engagement their conference brings, they can ensure their voices are heard. Their concerns are valid, and their contributions are essential. The Big 12's strength lies in its ability to adapt and to confidently champion its own destiny, ensuring that collective decisions benefit the entirety of college sports, not just a select few.

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