EXPOSED: Iowa State Made Huge MISTAKE Playing Ireland Game, Strategy NEEDED For Non-Conference Games

Iowa State Cyclones’ season-opening showdown in Ireland against Kansas State may have cost more than it gained—did the exposure justify the $845,000 price tag? Nick Marovets unpacks new revelations about Iowa State’s financial haul (or lack thereof) from the headline-grabbing international game, examining whether national TV viewership can truly offset lost revenue for the program. The conversation shifts to Iowa State’s future non-conference strategy: should the Cyclones keep the high-stakes CyHawk rivalry with Iowa, or pivot to scheduling more “cupcake” opponents to maximize win potential and boost bowl eligibility? Nick Marovets weighs the pros and cons, explores revenue-boosting options like away games for payouts, and previews the Cyclones’ 2024 non-conference slate against Southeast Missouri, Iowa, and Bowling Green. Which approach secures Iowa State’s path to Big 12 contention in the new era of college football?