The countdown is on for the 2024 Pop-Tarts Bowl, where the Miami Hurricanes and Iowa State Cyclones are set to collide at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, on December 28, 2024. Both teams, eager to finish their seasons on high notes after missing out on their respective conference championships, find themselves facing each other with similar records of 10-3 for Iowa State and 10-2 for Miami.
Kicking off at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC, the Pop-Tarts Bowl promises more than just emblematic pastries but, rather, the culmination of drama, discipline, and determination from two powerhouse college programs. After 2023's rebranding of the bowl under the Pop-Tarts title, fan engagement skyrocketed when Kansas State's mascot was humorously toasted after victory. This time, the stakes are even higher for two teams with potent offenses but recent disappointments weighing on them.
The Miami Hurricanes, led by star quarterback Cam Ward, fell just short of capturing the ACC Championship, losing to Syracuse in their final regular-season game with a shocking 42-38 score. The disheartening defeat dashed their College Football Playoff aspirations, but they surmise this bowl as another opportunity for redemption. Ward, who is expected to enter the 2025 NFL Draft, confirmed his commitment to play, citing, "I’m playing in the game, it’s exciting to go out in your college career and try to win your last game." This decision serves as both motivation and inspiration for his teammates.
On the other side, the Iowa State Cyclones faced their own misfortunes. After electric seasons capped by cohesive team play, they fell flat against Arizona State, suffering 45-19 in the Big 12 Championship game. The Cyclones, under head coach Matt Campbell, are aiming to achieve their first bowl victory since 2020, riding high on a ten-win season driven by the impressive performances of quarterback Rocco Becht and wide receivers Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel, both surpassing 1,000 receiving yards.
The matchup is laden with intriguing narratives. Miami boasts the number one offense nationally, averaging 44.2 points per game, driven by Ward's electric play-calling and leadership. Iowa State, meanwhile, countered with their defensive strategy helmed by their impressive season statistics, even if significant hurdles lay ahead. Despite their defensive prowess, Iowa State's struggles with pass pressure and tackling will be tested against Miami's high-flying offensive gameplay.
Betting odds reflect the growing belief of Miami’s strength. After opening as 3.5-point favorites, the Hurricanes have shifted to -4.5 according to FanDuel, indicating confidence as public bets have surged toward them. The over/under for the game stands at 57.5 points, providing ample incentive for viewers and bettors to tune in. Both teams have shown tendencies of high-scoring performances, with Miami encountering fluctuated defensive efficiency throughout the season.
Throughout the season, Miami exhibited flourishing offense metrics such as success on third downs and quality drives, which could see the Cyclones struggle defensively if they fail to contain explosive plays. With Ward, who paced around 4,123 yards and 36 touchdowns, at the helm paired with junior running back Damien Martinez heating up the ground game, the Cyclones must find means to interrupt their offensive rhythm.
Iowa State does not come without its own secrets, with Becht posing challenges for Miami’s defense with his strong arm and accuracy. Expect fireworks as Becht, Higgins, and Noel look to exploit any gaps left by the Hurricane defense, which remains inconsistent throughout the season, allowing significant yardage to multiple opponents.
The final prediction? Miami stands poised to breathe triumph and take the Pop-Tarts Bowl trophy if they maintain focus and commit to execution against Iowa State's potent receivers. If they can successfully find answers to their defensive issues and leverage their offensive touch, Miami has the upper hand whereas Iowa State may play with determined freedom to cement their legacy.
Ratings and excitement for this bowl game have risen rapidly, positioning the Pop-Tarts Bowl as one of the must-watch events for college football enthusiasts. Expect engaging commentary as the clock ticks down to kickoff, with teams, players, and fans eager to carve their names on the trophy—and perhaps, share some pastries upon victory.
