The No. 19 Iowa State Cyclones came back to knock off the No. 16 Miami Hurricanes in a wild 2024 Pop-Tarts Bowl, claiming a 42-41 win in a game that went down to the wire.
Iowa State (11-3) started the game off perfectly, forcing a fumble on the first play from scrimmage and turning that into a turnover. What followed was nearly unprecedented: Miami (10-3) and the Cyclones traded touchdowns at a rapid-fire pace, with the 31-28 halftime score the highest seen in a D1 bowl game since 2019.
Heisman Trophy finalist Cam Ward played a major role in that offensive explosion, throwing for three touchdowns, but the potential first-round NFL draft pick sat out the second half. Miami seemed to be in control despite that, but a long drive petered out in the red zone. That left the door open for the Cyclones, who came back to win thanks in no small part to quarterback Rocco Becht’s one-yard touchdown run with just 56 seconds to go.
Here’s what you missed in what might end up being the most fun bowl game the college football postseason produces:
Iowa State vs. Miami highlights
A full-throttle Pop-Tarts Bowl saw Iowa State and Miami combine for the highest-scoring first half in any D1 bowl in five years. However, with star quarterback Cam Ward on the sidelines in the second half, the Hurricanes let a 10-point lead slip away as the Cyclones claimed a memorable 42-41 victory.
Carson Hansen scored three touchdowns for the victors, while Ward’s one half of play resulted in three touchdown passes (breaking the D1 record for career TD passes). Amid plenty of Pop-Tarts-related chaos, Iowa State had just enough fight to restrict Miami to a field goal on its longest drive of the game, then responded with patience and persistence to grab the win in the final seconds.
Here are the key highlights:
Final score: Iowa State 42, Miami 41
The Pop-Tarts Bowl may have seemed to be more about the mascots and trophies, but in the end it was a thrilling football game. The Cyclones claimed victory by coming back from 10 points down, scoring the go-ahead touchdown in the game’s final minute. It’s the first 11-win season in program history, and it’ll (probably) be the first time Iowa State is treated to this many breakfast snacks after a game.
Touchdown, Iowa State: Becht breaks through
With the game on the line, the Cyclones produced a 15-play, 84-yard drive that finished with quarterback Rocco Becht bursting through on fourth down and inches. Kyle Konrardy blasts the PAT through, and with less than a minute to go it’s 42-41 Iowa State.
Meanwhile, Cam Ward is tossing the ball on the Hurricanes sideline…but it looks like Emory Williams will remain the quarterback. We could be on for an extraordinary finish to this wild game.
Miami mascot attempts to eat Pop-Tarts mascot
It was inevitable: we have attempted mascot…cannibalism? Is it cannibalism when an animal mascot tries to eat a pastry mascot? That’s beyond the scope of this live blog, but it makes you think.
Whatever it is, Miami’s mascot Sebastian the Ibis is attempting to chomp the Hot Fudge Sundae Pop-Tarts mascot, an act being met with laughter and smiles. Off the field, this is a deeply strange event. On it, it’s still 41-35 Miami.
Field goal, Miami: Hurricanes increase lead after game’s longest drive
Miami will view this latest drive as a mixed bag. On one hand, it ended with Andres Borregales nailing a chip shot to make it 41-35, and the Hurricanes ate up some clock on a 14-play possession.
On the other hand, running back Damien Martinez left after being tackled awkwardly during the drive, and the possession — highlighted by a 28-yard gain on a fake punt — died in the red zone. A six-point lead in a game like this one doesn’t feel safe at all.
Touchdown, Iowa State: Noel hangs on for TD
Iowa State’s offense had gone cold after those first four drives, but this was a little more like it: a nine-play, 70-yard drive that ended with quarterback Rocco Becht slinging a four-yard touchdown pass to Jaylin Noel. The drive had been in danger, with Becht having what looked like a QB sneak into the end zone called back, and Miami made multiple stops on the goal line.
However, Noel got his hands under the ball to get the Cyclones back on track, with the score now 38-35.
Touchdown, Miami: Fletcher Jr. leaps to increase Hurricanes lead
Some big news in the game that has nothing to do with this latest score: Cam Ward is out, with Emory Williams taking over at quarterback. There’s no injury here, as this seems to be all about Ward avoiding injury before an NFL draft where he’s likely to go very early in the first round.
Despite that, Miami drove down the field with relative ease, capping off a 10-play drive with Mark Fletcher Jr.’s one-yard touchdown, as the running back jumped over the line to break the plane. It’s now 38-28 Hurricanes.
Pop-Tarts Bowl back underway
Iowa State receives the kickoff, and this game is back in action for the second half.
Halftime: Miami 31, Iowa State 28
The first half of the Pop-Tarts Bowl has been a wild one, right from the start. Despite scoring on its first four possessions, Iowa State trails Miami 31-28 in Orlando.
Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward has thrown three touchdowns in a standout performance, while the Cyclones have seen running back Carson Hansen score three times (two rushing, one receiving) to keep this game close. Per ABC, this is the highest-scoring first half in any D1 bowl game since 2019.
Field goal, Miami: Hurricanes take first lead
The defenses finally showed up, with both teams coming up with stops. Finally, as the second quarter winds to a close, the Hurricanes saw a 12-play drive run out of steam in the red zone.
That set the stage for kicker Andres Borregales, who made no mistake on a 30-yard field goal attempt with 16 seconds on the clock.
Touchdown, Miami: Ward-to-Arroyo and we’re tied again
The Pop-Tarts Bowl is shaping up to be a classic, as neither team can stop the other. The Hurricanes have once again tied this one up 28-28 with 9:25 to go before halftime
Cam Ward took a hit on the touchdown, but it paid off as Elijah Arroyo was wide open to catch the quarterback’s precise pass.
Touchdown, Iowa State: Hansen’s third TD makes it 28-21
There are a lot of Pop-Tarts at this college football game, but not a lot of defense. The Cyclones just drove 75 yards in under three minutes, capping it off with Carson Hansen’s third touchdown of the game.
This time, Hansen caught a 13-yard pass from quarterback Rocco Becht, with the running back wide open on a really well-crafted play.
Frosted strawberry Pop-Tarts mascot returns
The Pop-Tarts Bowl is nothing if not unhinged. The 2023 edition of this bizarre spectacle ended with Kansas State eating the frosted strawberry Pop-Tarts mascot after it slid down a mock toaster, and during a commercial break that mascot interrupted an ‘In Memoriam’ presentation to emerge atop the scoreboard at Camping World Stadium.
This year’s trio of mascots (Wild Berry, Cinnamon Roll, and Hot Fudge Sundae) are delighted.
Touchdown, Miami: Ward finds Trader for a 40-yard TD
Like we said: it’s all big plays at the Pop-Tarts Bowl. This time, the Hurricanes charged down the field, with one 24-yard reception from Elijah Arroyo getting Miami into the Iowa State half.
From there, Cam Ward rolled away from pressure in the pocket to find Joshisa Trader, with the wide receiver coming up with a stiff arm before taking it to the house. It’s 21-21 already, and we have Pop-Tarts watching the game from the giant toaster that presumably will roll onto the field for the victorious team’s celebration.
End of first quarter: Iowa State 21, Miami 14
The big plays keep coming, with Iowa State’s forced fumble on the first play of the game the only defensive success either team has had. It seems like that’s how things are going to keep going in what is shaping up to be a shootout.
Touchdown, Iowa State: Another big play sets up a third Cyclones TD
Jaylin Noel briefly seemed to have a 49-yard touchdown reception, but on replay the initial call giving the Cyclones six points was overturned as the receiver’s elbow touched the ground inside the one-yard line.
Iowa State took the news in stride, with Carson Hansen punching through the line to score, making it 21-14. This 21-point outburst is the team’s highest-scoring first quarter of the season.
Touchdown, Miami: Cam Ward sets D1 record with passing TD
All gas, no brakes at the Pop-Tarts Bowl. It’s already 14-14, and we still have over four minutes to go in the first quarter.
This time, Miami put together a quick seven-play drive that (aided by a defensive pass interference penalty) ended with Cam Ward lofting a four-yard touchdown pass to Jacolby George. That’s Ward’s 156th passing touchdown in D1 college football, surpassing Case Keenum for the all-time record.
Touchdown, Iowa State: Hansen 30-yard TD gives Cyclones lead
Iowa State needed just 2:36 to go 75 yards to take the lead again, as neither defense seems to have an ability to slow the opposition down. The Cyclones quickly pushed into Miami territory, before Carson Hansen burst through the line, broke one tackle, and raced away for a 30-yard touchdown.
The first quarter isn’t even halfway through, and it’s already 14-7. There’s so much action that we haven’t even had time to check in with the Pop-Tarts mascots.
Touchdown, Miami: Martinez rumbles for a 75-yard TD
Buckle up, folks, this one is already getting wild. Miami’s second play from scrimmage is a 75-yard touchdown run from junior running back Damien Martinez. Martinez bounced off the line, and suddenly had wide-open territory to run into.
We’re tied up 7-7 after less than four minutes of play.
Touchdown, Iowa State: Cyclones take an early 7-0 lead
Iowa State may have kicked off, but the Cyclones forced a fumble on Miami’s very first play from scrimmage. That set up a methodical drive capped off by Gabe Burkle’s excellent catch in coverage for a nine-yard touchdown.
With the PAT flying through the uprights, it’s 7-0 Iowa State.
The Pop-Tarts Bowl is underway
The 10-2 Miami Hurricanes and 10-3 Iowa State Cyclones are on the field, the edible Pop-Tarts mascots are hyped, and the Pop-Tarts Bowl trophy has literally launched hot toaster pastries, catching ABC’s broadcast team by surprise.
We’re underway at Camping World Stadium, as the Hurricanes receive the kickoff.
When is the Pop-Tarts Bowl between Miami and Iowa State?
The Pop-Tarts Bowl game between the Miami Hurricanes and the Iowa State Cyclones kicks off at 3:30 p.m. ET at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida.
How to watch Miami and Iowa State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl
The Pop-Tarts Bowl game between the Miami Hurricanes and the Iowa State Cyclones will be televised nationally on ABC.
Live streaming is available on Fubo, which has a free trial.
Catch college football bowl games on Fubo
Miami vs. Iowa State: Pop-Tarts Bowl odds
The Miami Hurricanes are favorites to defeat the Iowa State Cyclones, according to BetMGM.
Odds as of Thursday, Dec. 26
Spread: Miami (-3.5)
Moneyline: Miami (-140); Iowa State (+115)
Over/under: 40.5
Pop-Tarts Bowl predictions: Iowa State vs. Miami
USA TODAY: Hurricanes the unanimous pick
Scooby Axon: Miami
Jordan Mendoza: Miami
Paul Myerberg: Miami
Erick Smith: Miami
Eddie Timanus: Miami
Dan Wolken: Miami
ESPN: Iowa State 38, Miami 27
Adam Rittenberg writes: ‘When teams fall short of the CFP, college football offers them an incredible consolation: the chance to eat the Pop-Tarts mascot. This truly is the greatest sport. ISU and Miami certainly will have some degree of disappointment, and the opt-outs could loom large, especially if Hurricanes star quarterback Cam Ward chooses to begin his NFL draft preparation. Iowa State likely has more motivation here, as it can build on its team-record wins total (currently at 10) and claim its first bowl victory since 2020. Miami has been a really bad bowl team, dropping 11 of its last 12, and the misery will continue.’
Sporting News: Miami 29, Iowa State 26
Bill Bender writes: ‘Will Miami quarterback Cam Ward play? That would be a huge difference maker for the Hurricanes, who led the FBS with 44.2 points per game. Iowa State allowed 40-plus points in losses to Kansas and Arizona State. The Hurricanes were 2-0 ATS when favored by four points or less, and we look forward to the sequel with the Pop-Tarts mascot.’
College Football News: Iowa State 34, Miami 20
Pete Fiutak writes: ‘The Pop-Tarts Bowl will bring the fun with thanks to its brilliant marketing campaign, but Miami has been a little too quiet so far with bowl opt-outs and transfers. They’re coming. For now, assume Iowa State’s starting 22 will be a bit more intact and a lot more fired up.’
Bleacher Nation: Miami Hurricanes
Staff writes: ‘Our prediction for Miami vs. Iowa State sees the Hurricanes (-175 on the moneyline) as the pick to win. As for the total, we pick the over at 55.5 points.
Bowl game picks
Here are USA TODAY Sports’ expert picks for all of the college football bowl games.
Miami vs. Iowa State all-time record
This is the first meeting between the Miami Hurricanes and Iowa State Cyclones in football.
Is the Pop-Tarts Bowl trophy a functional toaster?
Yes. The trophy for the 2024 Pop-Tarts Bowl is a fully functional toaster — an upgrade from last year’s trophy that featured a decorative, non-functional toaster on top.
The Pop-Tarts Bowl announced on Dec. 15 that it partnered with GE Appliances to create a one-of-a-kind bowl game trophy that features a functioning and working toaster built into the silver football.
“Our fans have made it clear: The Pop-Tarts Bowl isn’t just another game, it’s an experience,” Pop-Tarts Bowl CEO Steve Hogan said in a statement. “We listened, and with the help of GE Appliances, we’re delivering a trophy that doesn’t just sit on a trophy stand. We’re excited to share this fusion of fun and functionality with college football fans everywhere.” — John Leuzzi
Is the Pop-Tarts Bowl mascot edible?
This year’s Pop-Tarts Bowl will feature three edible mascots on the sidelines with their flavors consisting of Frosted Wild Berry, Frosted Hot Fudge Sundae and Frosted Cinnamon Roll.
To make it ‘edible,’ the actual physical mascot that will roam the sidelines throughout the game gets put into a life-sized toaster — as if an actual Pop-Tart were unwrapped and put into a toaster to heat up. Once the mascot is fully descended into the toaster, an edible mascot is pushed out of the toaster for the winning team’s enjoyment.
Of the three flavors, Frosted Cinnamon Roll was voted by fans and announced as the ‘mystery flavor’ for this year’s bowl on NBC’s ‘TODAY Show’ on Dec. 4. According to a press release, the options in the mystery flavor fan poll were all previously discontinued Pop-Tarts that were fan-favorite flavors. On top of being picked as one of the three mascots for the Pop-Tarts Bowl, the winning mystery flavor also has headed back to the store shelves. — John Leuzzi
College football bowl game schedule: Entire postseason lineup
College football bowl season began Dec. 14 and will run through Jan. 20 with the College Football Playoff championship game in Atlanta. Click here for the schedule of all upcoming bowls, including the College Football Playoff, and the results of already completed games.
College football bowl game rankings: 35 matchups from best to worst
We’ll begin with a couple of stipulations. First, we’ll operate under the assumption that all the first-round playoff games, as well as the quarterfinal and semifinal bowl contests, will be appointment viewing anyway, so they won’t be included in this exercise. We’ll also add that while some matchups look attractive in terms of records and rankings, whether the games will turn out to be good hinges upon which key players actually show up. We also recognize that your interest in a particular game might differ based upon your rooting interest.
We try to put these in order of what we think will have the highest entertainment value, but circumstances can change before the games kick off. Click here for our watchability rankings for all 35 non-playoff bowls. — Eddie Timanus
The uncertain future of the college football bowl system
For an industry that has gone out of its way over many decades to accommodate the bowl industry, even cutting them in on the spoils of the College Football Playoff, there’s been a disturbance in the force.
Though everyone knew a decade ago that creating the CFP would change the nature of and interest in college football’s larger postseason, the bowls were still considered untouchable. Despite a financial model that ensured most schools lost money on bowls, schools and conferences dutifully participated in them, believing in their necessity as a reward for players, a vehicle for coaches to squeeze in extra practices and a marketing tool for the university. — Dan Wolken
Best college football quarterbacks in the transfer portal
The crop of top passers in this year’s transfer cycle has much less star power but could carry a similar impact on the 2025 season.
For the best of the best on the transfer market, including quarterbacks who have already signed with new schools, click below. — Paul Myerberg
Ranking the best quarterbacks in the transfer portal
College Football Playoff bracket: CFP schedule
The first round of the College Football Playoff concluded with all four home teams winning.
FRIDAY, DEC. 20
Game 1: No. 7 Notre Dame def. No. 10 Indiana, 27-17
SATURDAY, DEC. 21
Game 2: No. 6 Penn State def. No. 11 SMU, 38-10
Game 3: No. 5 Texas def. No. 12 Clemson, 38-24
Game 4: No. 8 Ohio State def. No. 9 Tennessee, 42-17
CFP quarterfinals schedule
The four quarterfinal games will be played on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, with one game on Dec. 31 and three on Jan. 1. All games will be televised by ESPN.
All times Eastern
TUESDAY, DEC. 31
Fiesta Bowl: No. 3 Boise State vs. Penn State, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN)
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 1
Peach Bowl: No. 4 Arizona State vs. Texas, 1 p.m. (ESPN)
Rose Bowl: No. 1 Oregon vs. Ohio State, 5 p.m. (ESPN)
Sugar Bowl: No. 2 Georgia vs. Notre Dame, 8:45 p.m. (ESPN)
CFP semifinals schedule
The semifinal games will be played on Jan. 9 and Jan. 10. Both games will be televised by ESPN.
All times Eastern
THURSDAY, JAN. 9
Orange Bowl: Fiesta Bowl winner vs. Sugar Bowl winner, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN)
FRIDAY, JAN. 10
Cotton Bowl: Peach Bowl winner vs. Rose Bowl winner, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN)
CFP national championship game schedule
MONDAY, JAN. 20
Game: Orange Bowl winner vs. Cotton Bowl winner
Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
CFP rankings
Oregon (Big Ten champion, No. 1 seed)*
Georgia (SEC champion, No. 2 seed)*
Texas (No. 5 seed)
Penn State (No. 6 seed)
Notre Dame (No. 7 seed)
Ohio State (No. 8 seed)
Tennessee (No. 9 seed)
Indiana (No. 10 seed)
Boise State (MWC champion, No. 3 seed)*
SMU (No. 11 seed)
Alabama
Arizona State (Big 12 champion, No. 4 seed)*
Miami
Mississippi
South Carolina
Clemson (ACC champion, No. 12 seed)**
*first-round bye; **automatic bid
How does College Football Playoff format work?
The 12 participating teams in the College Football Playoff bracket are the five conference champions ranked highest by the CFP selection committee, and the next seven highest-ranked teams.
The four highest-ranked conference champions are seeded one through four and received a first-round bye. The fifth conference champion is seeded where it was ranked among the top 12 teams, or at No. 12 if it is outside the top 12 in the CFP rankings. Non-conference champions ranked in the top four will be seeded beginning at No. 5.
‘Because of this,’ the CFP warns on its website, ‘the seeding, 1 through 12, could look different than the final rankings.’
For the first round, the higher-ranked team in each pairing (5 vs. 12, 6 vs. 11, 7 vs. 10, 8 vs. 9) will serve as host on campus. The winners advance to the quarterfinals and match up with the corresponding top-four conference champion based on seeding. Quarterfinal games will played at the Fiesta Bowl, Peach Bowl, Rose Bowl and Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. The semifinals – played at the Orange Bowl and Cotton Bowl Classic – will take place Jan. 9-10.
The two semifinal winners will play for the national championship Jan. 20 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. — Mark Giannotto
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