What to know about Iowa State football’s Pop-Tarts Bowl game vs Miami

What to Know About Iowa State Football’s Pop-Tarts Bowl Game vs. Miami

The 2024 Pop-Tarts Bowl is an exciting postseason matchup that features the Iowa State Cyclones against the Miami Hurricanes. Set to take place at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, this game offers both teams an opportunity to conclude their seasons with a strong performance and build momentum heading into next year. With both teams coming from competitive conferences—the Big 12 for Iowa State and the ACC for Miami—the Pop-Tarts Bowl promises to be a thrilling contest between two talented, yet slightly inconsistent, teams looking to end their seasons on a high note.

In this article, we will explore the key aspects of the Iowa State vs. Miami matchup, breaking down what each team brings to the table, their season performances, key players to watch, and what fans can expect from this exciting bowl game.

1. The 2024 Pop-Tarts Bowl Overview

The Pop-Tarts Bowl is one of the many bowl games that take place at the conclusion of the college football season. While it’s not part of the College Football Playoff or the New Year’s Six bowls, it still holds significant value, especially for teams looking to cap off a season that might not have lived up to their ultimate goals. For Iowa State and Miami, this game presents an opportunity to showcase their talents on a national stage, finish the season with a victory, and create positive momentum for the next year.

Both Iowa State and Miami have had their share of highs and lows in 2024. While neither team made the College Football Playoff or the major bowl games, both are talented enough to make a statement in the Pop-Tarts Bowl. As these two teams square off, both will be focused on getting a win to end their respective seasons on a positive note, with the added benefit of earning bragging rights in what promises to be an exciting matchup.

2. Iowa State: A Resilient Team Under Matt Campbell

Iowa State enters the Pop-Tarts Bowl with a solid 8-4 record, having finished the regular season with a respectable performance in the Big 12. Head coach Matt Campbell, now in his eighth season with the Cyclones, has built a program known for its resilience, toughness, and attention to detail. While Iowa State is not a perennial powerhouse, the team has often been a thorn in the side of the Big 12’s top contenders, and this season was no different.

2.1. Iowa State’s Season Performance

The Cyclones had some tough moments throughout the season, but they showed grit and determination to secure an 8-4 finish. The team’s season included a series of close wins and losses, often determined by narrow margins in the competitive Big 12. Iowa State has relied on its defense, particularly its front seven, to stay competitive against high-powered offenses, while its offense has been serviceable but not explosive.

Despite falling short of competing for a Big 12 Championship, Iowa State finished the regular season with momentum, earning a trip to the Pop-Tarts Bowl with a strong overall record. Their success was built on solid defense, strong special teams play, and a well-coached offense that maximized the team’s strengths.

2.2. Key Players for Iowa State

As the Cyclones prepare for their bowl game, several players stand out as key contributors. Here are a few to watch:

• Jirehl Brock (Running Back): The team’s leading rusher, Jirehl Brock has been a workhorse for Iowa State all season. His ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact will be essential in establishing the ground game against Miami’s defense. Brock’s role in controlling the clock and keeping Miami’s offense off the field will be critical.
• Hunter Dekkers (Quarterback): As the leader of the offense, quarterback Hunter Dekkers has had a solid, if unspectacular, season. Dekkers is a dual-threat quarterback who can make plays both with his arm and legs. He’ll need to be efficient in the passing game, especially against a Miami defense that has been effective at pressuring quarterbacks.
• Trevor Downing (Offensive Line): Iowa State’s offensive line, led by senior Trevor Downing, has been a key component in both the running and passing game. Against a fast Miami defense, controlling the line of scrimmage will be crucial, and Downing’s experience and leadership will be vital in keeping Dekkers upright.
• Eli Sanders (Wide Receiver): Sanders has become one of the go-to targets in the passing game for Iowa State. His speed and ability to create separation will be an important factor in the Cyclones’ aerial attack, and he could be a major player in exploiting any gaps in Miami’s secondary.

2.3. Iowa State’s Defensive Strength

One of the defining characteristics of Iowa State’s success in 2024 has been its defense, which has been one of the best in the Big 12. The Cyclones have a hard-hitting, fast defense that has been particularly effective against the run. Miami’s offensive line and running game will need to be on point to avoid being stifled by Iowa State’s defense. Iowa State’s defense also excels in pass coverage, which could make life difficult for Miami’s passing attack, especially if quarterback Tyler Van Dyke struggles to find his rhythm.

3. Miami: A Team on the Rise Under Mario Cristobal

The Miami Hurricanes, under head coach Mario Cristobal, had an up-and-down season in 2024, finishing with a 7-5 record. Cristobal, in just his second season at the helm of the program, has been working to restore Miami’s reputation as one of college football’s elite programs. While the Hurricanes have shown flashes of greatness, they’ve also had their fair share of struggles, especially on offense.

3.1. Miami’s Season Performance

Despite having some impressive wins during the regular season, including a notable victory over ACC rival Florida State, Miami couldn’t sustain consistency and missed out on a spot in the ACC Championship Game. Much of Miami’s issues came down to a lack of offensive efficiency, with quarterback Tyler Van Dyke struggling to replicate the success he enjoyed in 2021. Nevertheless, Miami’s defense has been one of its strongest units, and the team remains dangerous when it is firing on all cylinders.

3.2. Key Players for Miami

Miami has several standout players who will be crucial in the Pop-Tarts Bowl against Iowa State:

• Tyler Van Dyke (Quarterback): After a stellar 2021 season, Van Dyke has had a mixed 2024 campaign, at times struggling with consistency. However, he still has the potential to put up big numbers and lead the offense to success. Van Dyke will need to be sharp, especially against Iowa State’s disciplined defense, and his ability to make plays through the air will be critical for Miami’s chances of victory.
• Henry Parrish Jr. (Running Back): Parrish has been Miami’s primary offensive weapon this season, providing a reliable and powerful rushing attack. His ability to control the tempo of the game, pick up first downs, and create big plays on the ground will be essential, especially with Iowa State’s defense geared to stop the run.
• Colbie Young (Wide Receiver): As one of the top targets for Van Dyke, Young has proven to be a reliable deep threat for the Hurricanes. With his size and speed, he could be a key factor in stretching the field and opening up opportunities for Miami’s offense to break through Iowa State’s defense.
• Cam Kitchens (Safety): Miami’s defense is anchored by the play of star safety Cam Kitchens, who has been a force in both pass coverage and against the run. His ability to read the quarterback, break up passes, and provide leadership will be critical in keeping Iowa State’s offense in check.

3.3. Miami’s Defensive Strength

While Miami’s offense has struggled at times, the Hurricanes’ defense has been one of the top units in the ACC. The defense has shown the ability to stifle opposing offenses, particularly in the secondary, where players like Kitchens and cornerback Jaden Harris have been key contributors. Against Iowa State’s Hunter Dekkers and the Cyclones’ passing attack, Miami’s defensive backs will have to stay disciplined and minimize big plays. Additionally, Miami’s defensive line will need to get pressure on Dekkers to prevent him from getting comfortable in the pocket.

4. What to Expect from the Game

This matchup between Iowa State and Miami is expected to be a hard-fought, physical game. Iowa State will look to control the line of scrimmage, establish a strong running game with Jirehl Brock, and put pressure on Miami’s quarterback Tyler Van Dyke. On the other hand, Miami will rely on its defensive strength, led by Cam Kitchens, to slow down Iowa State’s offense, while hoping for a breakthrough performance from Van Dyke and wide receiver Colbie Young in the passing game.

Both teams have shown flashes of brilliance, but inconsistency has been their downfall this season. The Pop-Tarts Bowl will serve as an opportunity for both to close out their respective seasons on a high note and build momentum for the future.

The outcome will largely depend on which team can execute its game plan more effectively. If Iowa State can dominate the line of scrimmage and limit Miami’s offensive production, they’ll be in a strong position to win. For Miami, a balanced offensive attack, led by Van Dyke and Parrish, will be crucial in putting pressure on Iowa State’s defense.