Coral Gables, Florida — In a situation where both teams fell just shy of a College Football Playoff berth, Miami and Iowa State will have the opportunity to face each other in the upcoming Pop-Tarts Bowl. This postseason matchup is scheduled to take place on December 28 in Orlando, Florida. The Miami Hurricanes, with a record of 10 wins and 2 losses, are aiming for their first 11-win season since 2003, while Iowa State, boasting a 10-3 record, seeks to achieve a milestone of 11 victories for the first time in their 133-year history.
Miami’s recent defeat at Syracuse was a pivotal moment that they attribute to missing the playoffs, whereas Iowa State had a chance to claim a playoff spot but was defeated by Arizona State in the Big 12 championship game. “There’s a sense of disappointment for everyone who doesn’t make it,” remarked Miami’s head coach Mario Cristobal. He articulated the need for the team to improve and seize the opportunity to advance and elevate their performance.
Both squads share a common goal: to regroup and refocus after falling short of their playoff aspirations. Iowa State’s coach, Matt Campbell, highlighted the significance of resilience in their program’s culture. He expressed optimism about his team’s excitement to conclude the season on a positive note despite the recent disappointment.
A key consideration for Miami is the status of quarterback Cam Ward and whether he will participate in the bowl game. Ward, a prominent Heisman Trophy candidate, has made a name for himself by throwing 155 career touchdown passes across his tenures at Incarnate Word, Washington State, and Miami, tying him for the most in NCAA Division I history. With many players considering skipping bowl games to focus on the NFL Draft, Miami has yet to confirm if Ward or any other draft-eligible athlete has made a decision regarding their participation.
Cristobal emphasized the significance of finishing the season strong for his players and the program’s future. He believes that his athletes understand the importance of the upcoming game and view it as a crucial step in their development. The anticipation builds as both teams prepare for this intriguing bowl encounter and look to achieve their respective goals.
