The Pop-Tarts Bowl. It’s a name that conjures images of sugary breakfast pastries and, well, football. This year’s frosted-treat-themed gridiron showdown features the No. 13 Miami Hurricanes squaring off against the No. 18 Iowa State Cyclones. For the Hurricanes, it’s a chance to salvage some pride after a late-season stumble that saw them drop two of their last three games. For the Cyclones, it’s an opportunity to rebound from their Big 12 championship game loss to Arizona State. Neither team covered themselves in glory down the stretch, making this bowl game a test of which program can muster some semblance of postseason dignity.
This marks the first-ever meeting between these two teams, a fresh matchup in a bowl game landscape often dominated by rehashed rivalries. The Hurricanes, known for their flashy offense, will face a sturdy Cyclones defense. Iowa State, traditionally a ground-and-pound team, will need to establish their running game to control the clock and keep the Miami offense off the field. The neutral site of Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, adds another element of unpredictability to the mix. Will the Florida sunshine favor the Hurricanes, or will the Cyclones bring their own brand of Midwestern weather with them?
While the stakes may not be as high as a playoff game, the Pop-Tarts Bowl offers both teams a chance to end their seasons on a high note. A victory would provide a much-needed boost of momentum heading into the offseason. For Miami, it’s a chance to prove that their early-season success wasn’t a fluke. For Iowa State, a win would validate their strong regular season and erase the sting of the Big 12 Championship loss. The Pop-Tarts Bowl might not be the most prestigious bowl game, but it’s still football, and that’s enough to keep us watching.
The Pop-Tarts Bowl kicks off at 3:30 PM ET on ABC.
