The Pop-Tarts Bowl at 3:30 pm Saturday in Orlando, Florida at Camping World Stadium features the Big 12 Conference’s #18 Iowa State Cyclones and the #13 Miami Hurricanes of the Atlantic Coast Conference this could be one of the better pairings of the college bowl season. Both teams were one win away from getting to the College Football Playoff and now have an opportunity to reward the programs by going out on a high note.

The biggest surprise so far is Heisman Trophy candidate and All-American quarterback Cam Ward will play for the Hurricanes. Miami head coach Mario Cristobal praised his starting quarterback for going against the grain. “I think Cam’s DNA, his upbringing, everything that he is made of and stands for is the right kind of stuff; the stuff you want your team made of. He’s had a tremendous impact on our community, our team, our program, alumni. And so he understands the importance of finishing, and he understands the caliber of opponent that we are playing
and the importance of playing at a really high level to give ourselves the best opportunity in this game.”

However, both sides’ offenses might be without top receivers. Ward may be under center missing All-American Xavier Restrepo. Meanwhile, Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht will be taking snaps without Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel. Higgins and Noel are each 1,000-yard receivers who are opting out to prepare for the 2025 NFL Draft.

The Cyclones will need to also account for running back Damien Martinez. Martinez has recorded 823 yards on the ground this season for 5.7 yards a carry and nine touchdowns for Miami. ISU will need to subdue him so that the Hurricanes don’t wind the clock while also preventing Ward from getting hot hitting wide receivers Jacolby George and Isaiah Horton down the field.

ISU will also have to defend that without defensive back Malik Verdon and linebacker Caleb Bacon who are both currently injured. That will be a tall task, but they are hoping defensive lineman J.R. Singleton can impose his will to help the defensive front create pressure and make life easier for defensive back Beau Freyler. Singleton leads the team in sacks (4) while Freyler is the team’s top tackler (82).

Becht, however, may have the tougher job. The ‘Canes have a cornerback, Mishael Powell who has recorded 5 interceptions while also featuring three defensive linemen with 5.5 sacks including Tyler Baron who also leads the team in tackles for loss with 11.  Becht has to face that down and do it without Noel and Higgins. He will need a big day from wide receiver Carson Brown and others if he is to achieve this.  Of course, support from running backs Abu Samma (574, 4.7 per carry, two touchdowns) and Carson Hansen (670 yards, five per carry, 11 touchdowns) would also provide some balance.

Regardless of all the potential setbacks, Cyclone head coach Matt Campbell remains confident in his team’s ability to face adversity. “his team has been ravaged with
injuries and challenging situations, and they have never flinched”

With a win, both teams will have the opportunity to not only secure an 11-win season but also to sample the fully edible Pop-Tarts mascot to add to the sweet taste of their victory.