Iowa State and Miami Football will play in the Pop Tart Bowl.

Miami Hurricanes Set for Pop Tart Bowl After Missing Playoff Berth

The Miami Hurricanes’ season took a devastating turn with a loss to Syracuse, which dropped them to a 10-2 record and officially dashed their hopes of making the College Football Playoff (CFP). The defeat not only ended Miami’s playoff aspirations but also left both players and fans disappointed heading into selection Sunday. Despite this setback, the Hurricanes have one more game to look forward to: a showdown with Iowa State in the Pop Tart Bowl.

A Season of Highs, Lows, and Near-Misses

The Hurricanes flirted with danger throughout the season, often finding themselves in high-pressure situations. They relied on remarkable comebacks in several games, overcame double-digit deficits, and participated in five one-score contests. However, their luck ran out in two critical matchups, suffering losses to Georgia Tech (7-5) and Syracuse (9-3). These in-conference defeats pushed Miami to third place in the ACC standings behind Clemson and SMU. Without a spot in the conference championship game or a signature victory against a ranked opponent, Miami ended the season as the second team left out of the CFP—a bitter pill for a program with lofty preseason expectations.

Iowa State’s Season in Perspective

While Miami narrowly missed the playoffs, Iowa State’s journey had its own twists and turns. The Cyclones finished the regular season with a 10-3 record, earning a spot in the Big 12 Championship. Unfortunately, their title hopes were dashed in a lopsided 45-19 loss to Arizona State.

Iowa State’s offense has been powered by redshirt sophomore quarterback Rocco Becht, who leaned heavily on two standout receivers—seniors Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel. Both Higgins and Noel surpassed 1,000 receiving yards this season, but the team’s passing attack has been top-heavy, as no other receiver managed more than 300 yards. Defensively, Iowa State has struggled to stop the run, allowing opponents to rush for 179 yards per game at an average of five yards per carry. However, their secondary has been formidable, limiting quarterbacks to a 53% completion rate and just over 160 passing yards per game. This presents an intriguing challenge for Miami, which has faced its own struggles in the air attack this season.

Miami’s Roster in Transition

As the Hurricanes prepare for the Pop Tart Bowl, all eyes will be on their roster, which features several NFL draft prospects and players potentially entering the transfer portal. Standout names like Cam Ward, Xavier Restrepo, and Tyler Baron are among those eligible for the draft, and it remains to be seen if they will suit up for the bowl game or begin preparing for their professional careers. Additionally, the transfer portal looms large, with sophomore running back Chris Johnson Jr. and transfer quarterback Reese Poffenbarger already expected to leave the program.

For head coach Mario Cristobal, this transitional period could serve as an opportunity to evaluate Miami’s depth and assess the younger talent on the roster. The bowl game offers a glimpse into the team’s future as Cristobal works to build on this season’s progress.

Spotlight on Emerging Talent

If Miami’s upperclassmen choose to sit out the Pop Tart Bowl, the game could showcase a promising young core. Sophomore quarterback Emory Williams has the potential to connect with standout sophomore receiver Isaiah Horton, while freshman running back Jordan Lyle brings speed and playmaking ability out of the backfield. These players could provide Miami fans with a preview of what’s to come.

On defense, the Hurricanes also have rising stars eager to make an impact. Freshman defensive end Rueben Bain, who showed flashes of brilliance despite battling injuries during his sophomore year, will look to end the season on a high note. Freshman cornerback OJ Frederique has emerged as a potential lockdown boundary defender, while five-star recruit and defensive lineman Justin Scott—ranked 11th overall in the 2024 recruiting class—represents a cornerstone for Miami’s defensive future.

Iowa State’s Strengths and Weaknesses

For Iowa State, the game presents a chance to end their season on a positive note after falling short in the Big 12 Championship. The Cyclones’ passing game is their greatest strength, with Becht targeting Higgins and Noel as his primary weapons. However, their one-dimensional offense could be a disadvantage if Miami’s defense manages to shut down the duo.

Defensively, Iowa State’s vulnerabilities in stopping the run could play into Miami’s hands. However, the Cyclones’ stout pass defense may challenge Miami’s reliance on their aerial attack, setting up an intriguing chess match between the two teams.

A Chance for Redemption

Although the Pop Tart Bowl is not the postseason destination Miami had envisioned, it offers an important opportunity for the Hurricanes. With only two bowl victories since 2006, the program is eager to end its postseason drought and build momentum for the future. The game also holds historical significance, as the venue—Camping World Stadium in Orlando—was the site of Miami’s last bowl win during the 2016 Russell Athletic Bowl.

For Cristobal and his coaching staff, a victory in the Pop Tart Bowl could signal progress and provide a foundation for continued growth. Whether they rely on seasoned veterans or rising stars, the Hurricanes have the chance to make a statement and close their season on a positive note.

Looking Ahead

As December 28 approaches, the Hurricanes face multiple uncertainties regarding their roster, strategy, and the participation of key players. However, the Pop Tart Bowl represents more than just another game—it’s a test of Miami’s resilience, depth, and ability to adapt in the face of adversity. A win against Iowa State would not only add a bright spot to an otherwise bittersweet season but also set the stage for a promising future under Cristobal’s leadership.