By Fenthon Aristhomene
Muck City Media Contributing Writer
ORLANDO – On Dec. 28, the Pop-Tarts Bowl will feature an exciting matchup between the No. 13 Miami Hurricanes and the No. 18 Iowa State Cyclones at Camping World Stadium.
Miami, after just barely missing the college football playoffs under head coach Mario Cristobal, boasts a 10–2 record. The Hurricanes are led by Heisman Trophy finalist quarterback Cam Ward, who has announced this will be his final collegiate game before entering the 2025 NFL Draft. This is quite uncommon in this day and age, as many high caliber players tend to opt out.
Iowa State, after losing in the Big 12 Championship Game to Arizona State, enters the bowl game with a 10–3 record. The Cyclones had a very strong start with a record of 8-0 before being beaten in three of their past five games.
This game will mark the first ever meeting between the Cyclones and the Hurricanes.
Some key players to watch for Miami are Ward, receiver Xavier Restrepo, and defensive lineman Ruben Bain – three of many players that the Cyclones will have to game plan for. On the other hand, Iowa State’s wide receivers Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel (both over 100 yards receiving in 2024) will provide quarterback Rocco Becht with reliable targets downfield.
The Hurricanes and Cyclones started off their seasons very strong, but could not close out key games to end the regular season. Their defenses have also both struggled immensely. However, with a high powered offense like Miami’s, it will be much harder for Iowa State to stop the air and ground attacks consistently.
Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on ABC at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fla. With both teams eager to conclude the year with a victory and celebrate with the Pop-Tarts Bowl’s unique trophy, this game promises to deliver an exciting matchup.
PHOTO CREDITS: Iowa State Athletics
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