Miami and Iowa State Set for Action-Packed Pop-Tarts Bowl Showdown
ORLANDO, FL – No. 13 Miami and No. 18 Iowa State are gearing up for an exciting matchup in the Pop-Tarts Bowl, one of only three bowl games featuring two ranked teams outside the College Football Playoff, set for December 28 at Camping World Stadium.
Both teams are looking to bounce back after near-misses in their respective conferences. Miami boasted a strong start, winning nine straight games, but faltered with two losses in their final three games, including a disappointing defeat to Syracuse. In contrast, Iowa State, who began their season 7-0, faced consecutive losses but rallied spectacularly with three consecutive wins, ultimately earning a spot in the Big 12 Championship where they fell to Arizona State.
This matchup marks the first-ever meeting between these two storied programs, with Miami making its seventh appearance in this bowl, a record-setting count. Iowa State, making its third entry, has had an outstanding season, achieving the program’s first 10-win season under coach Matt Campbell, who is cementing his legacy in Ames.
A key player to watch is Miami’s quarterback Cam Ward, who, despite being a Heisman finalist and a possible early draft pick, has indicated his intention to play in the game, which would be a significant advantage for the Hurricanes.
This year’s Pop-Tarts Bowl promises to be memorable, especially given the playful tradition where the winning team will once again watch a Pop-Tart mascot meet its end in a giant toaster, ensuring a feast for the victorious squad.
Fans eager to catch the action can tune in on ABC at 3:30 p.m. ET or stream live on Fubo. With both teams showcasing explosive offense, expectations are high for a thrilling contest.
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