Coming off an emotional loss after being up 21-0 against Syracuse in a win-it-and-you’re-in-it game, Miami seeks to win their first bowl game since 2018. Whether Cam Ward, who is projected to be a top-5 pick in this year’s NFL Draft, will play is yet to be decided. Although, on a FaceTime, he was recorded explaining to the other top-2 QB in the draft, Shedeur Sanders, that it’s his last game and “you must believe I’m gonna throw that damn ball”.
Iowa State also lost their ticket to get a first-round bye in the college football playoff when they were flattened by No. 12 Arizona State 45-19 in the BIG 12 championship game.
Both teams are looking to end the season on a strong note to reach 11 wins, which would be the most all-time for the Iowa State program.
This will be the second annual Pop-Tarts Bowl after the rebrand from the Cheez-It Bowl, which Miami and Iowa State played in in 2020 and 2021, respectively. Although not so long ago, both of these teams were only focused on the prize of a National Championship Title, their focus will quickly shift to earning the chance to eat an edible mascot after playoff aspirations are brought to a close.
Even though the thought of playing in a bowl game named after a pastry is quite foolish, Miami is viewing this game as a redemption game, as it will be the last time that record-holding wide receiver Xavier Restrepo will have the chance to put on green and orange. No Hurricane has announced that they will be opting out. Instead, feature running back Damian Martinez made it clear on X (formerly known as Twitter) that he will be playing. If Cam Ward does not suit up, which would make complete sense as he should not even put himself in a position to harm his draft stock, expect Emory Williams to play.
The game can really go either way, and it really depends if Cam Ward chooses to play or not. Restrepo’s decision will definitely play a large factor in the outcome as well. In today’s age of NIL, it’s plausible that fewer players will opt out as schools may offer extra money to keep as many players from sitting.
The game will be played at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida on December 28th at 3:30 p.m. on ABC.