Chris Klieman breaks down decision to forfeit home game for Dublin trip

Since the 2022 season, two college football teams have kicked off every season with a matchup at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland. This year’s edition of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic will take place on August 23 between Big 12 foes Iowa State and Kansas State.

Northwestern took down Nebraska 31-28 in 2022, Notre Dame destroyed Navy 42-3 in 2023 and Georgia Tech downed Florida State 24-21 in 2024.

Kansas State head coach Chris Klieman, who is heading into his seventh season at the helm, discussed the decision to forfeit a home game at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium in order to play the game at this week’s Big 12 Media Days in Frisco, TX.

“Absolutely we had reservations about taking a home game out of our community and economy, but just talking to our athletic director just gave our kids an opportunity that are going to get a chance to go abroad,” Klieman said. “I got a chance to go over there in February for the first time with my wife, so I thought it was a great opportunity in that respect. 18 months ago, it was ‘this is the greatest thing’ and now it’s coming up on us pretty fast.”

“It’s just a great opportunity for the Big 12.”

The game has been good to its last two winners, as Notre Dame went on to compile a 10-3 record in 2023 and Georgia Tech finished at 7-6. Hilariously enough though, Northwestern‘s win in Dublin would end up being its lone victory of the entire season (1-11).

Klieman alludes to teams attempting to tamper with Avery Johnson

Along with discussing the game in Ireland, Klieman discussed teams attempting to tamper with star quarterback Avery Johnson this offseason.

The Wichita, KS native boasts 3,191 career passing yards with 30 touchdowns and 10 interceptions through two seasons. Johnson also gets the job done on the ground, as he’s compiled 901 rushing yards and 14 rushing scores in that span.

When discussing the makeup of his team, Klieman threw a jab at programs that attempted to get him to transfer.

“I’m sure he has,” Klieman said when asked about potential tampering. “He wants to stay. And you come to a K State football game, and you’re going to have half the crowd in Avery Johnson jerseys and probably the other half and Dylan Edwards jerseys. And now you’re going to throw Lincoln Cure in there. You can have another third of those guys in Lincoln Cure jerseys.”

The Wildcats are seeking their fifth eight-win season under Klieman this year.