The biggest game of Week 0 is already coming up with some game-changing narrative before the first snap. Kansas State and Iowa State, who will begin their season as the top favorites to win the Big 12 title, are reporting some defining injuries. With just hours to go before that timer starts ticking, it’s going to create some panic in their Dublin camps. Chris Klieman, in particular, is looking at some serious trouble.

Kansas State is losing crucial Ohio State transfer George Fitzpatrick. His return to the offensive line was already doubtful because of the state of his recovery from a “medical situation.” Fitzpatrick came to the Wildcats after playing in all 16 games for Ohio State and was to take the LT position. He was a veteran coming into K-State, with 84 career starts in the bag already. However, this undisclosed medical issue has kept him away. “We don’t really have a timetable, but he’s doing a lot better,” Chris Klieman said last month. The HC has pivoted to John Pastore in place of the Natty-winning player.

Klieman is also ruling out people on the defensive side. LB Asa Newsom is “out” for the Iowa State game. He was returning after an injury-laden 2024, then a redshirt freshman. DT Malcolm Alcorn-Crowder is ruled as game-time decision, which means there is his status is still unconfirmed. Iowa State also has a troubling injury of its own. The Cyclones are losing OL Trevor Buhr to sickness who was going to start at LG on Saturday. He was returning this year to the position after starting 4 games at the position. Buhr will be replaced by Dylan Barrett, who comes over from center. The trenches were a key unit for Iowa State last season, that helped the offense produce 27 rushing TDs, the most in Cyclones history.

While the stage is being set up and last-minute tidying up is underway, losing critical players from the squads is going to be troubling for both Klieman and Campbell. Klieman comes with a 9-4 record, while Campbell comes with 11-2. However, it’s the former that has the most support to be the Big 12 champions, and the latter comes in close at No. 2. Klieman has the odds to upset those of Iowa State, and begin his campaign on a strong note. But losing Fitzpatrick for an unknown period of time is going to be troubling for his offensive line.

Will a new Kansas State offensive line be helpful for Chris Klieman?

George Fitzpatrick is a National Championship winner. He was bringing some crucial experience for Kansas State’s offensive line, which is not as seasoned as you’d want it to be. In fact, Fitzpatrick’s future would’ve seen a different turn if Pastore had remained healthy last season. The latter will start at LT after playing as a reserve in 9 games last year, and was assigned to field goal protection duty. And, he battled a series of injuries. Pastore is just one among a lot of fresh names in this offense.

The unit will be coached by new O-line coach Brian Lepak, who was the Wildcats’ TE coach. He will oversee a unit that will see three new faces in front of QB Avery Johnson, who set the single-season record for passing TDs last year. The trenches were ranked 10th in sacks allowed, and with new players here, there’s a good chance this number will be affected. But they’re also good in the run game, finishing at No. 11 last year in the FBS.

This new group, minus Fitzpatrick, will be locking horns with a killer Cyclones defense. Jon Heacock, a two-time Broyles Award nominee, is returning as DC. The LB room features LBs Jeremiah Cooper and Jontez Williams, who have All-conference honors. Though the majority is leaning towards Kansas State winning the Farmageddon, the offense will be facing a defense helmed by “The Godfather,” as claimed by an anonymous Big 12 coach. Will this be a match up of at-par teams by the time the two teams line up for kickoff?