In January 2019, head coach Matt Campbell announced that Tom Manning would return as offensive coordinator.[2] He had served in that role for the Cyclones in Campbell's first two years in 2016 and 2017, but worked as the tight ends coach for the Indianapolis Colts during the 2018 season. Campbell also announced the addition of former West Virginia defensive backs coach Matt Caponi as a defensive assistant.[2]
The 2019 Big 12 media days were held July 15–16, 2019 in Frisco, Texas. In the Big 12 preseason media poll, Iowa State was predicted to finish in third in the standings.[3]
Both Iowa State and Oklahoma lost their previous games. Oklahoma could still be in the playoff chase by winning the remainder of their games and winning the Big 12 conference championship game. Predictions call that the Oklahoma Defense will need to slow the Cyclone offense to win the game. Coming into the game, it is listed as one of the most "compelling matchups" for the week by MSN Sports.[6]
Game conditions were cold and windy for the 2019 edition of "Farmageddon".[7] Iowa State entered the game as the least-penalized team in the Big 12 Conference, but were charged with 8 penalties to Kansas State's 2 when two programs met in Manhattan. The Cyclones also struggled on third down, only converting 1 attempt at 13.[8]
Kansas State's Joshua Youngblood returned a kick for a touchdown on the first play of the game.[8] That placed him at the top of the NCAA for three touchdown returns in the season this year.[7]
During the third quarter, each team managed a field goal but very little more happened offensively. In the fourth quarter, Kansas State managed to pull ahead 24-17 with an eight-play drive rushing drive ending in a touchdown with 10:24 left in the game.[7] After that, Iowa State punter Joe Rivera kicked just 17 yards on fourth down, which Kansas State was able to turn in to a field goal and put the score out of reach for the Cyclones. The final score was Kansas State 27, Iowa State 17.[8]
After the game and 7-5 regular season record, CBS Sports bowl expert Jerry Palm projected that Iowa State will play Kentucky in the 2019 Liberty Bowl.[9]