Nov 30, 2024; Syracuse, New York, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward (1) passes the ball against the Syracuse Orange during the first half at the JMA Wireless Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-Imagn Images
Iowa State travels to Orlando to take part in the 2024 Pop Tarts Bowl on Saturday, facing No. 13 Miami (2:30 p.m. ABC). Here are our staff’s picks.
Chris Williams (9-4)
I’ll tell you right now, I’m not confident on any of these bowl picks. I’ll take Miami only because Cam Ward says he is playing at the time of publishing this. Iowa State hasn’t been great in these neutral-site bowls/championship type games. This feels like the safe play. Hope I am wrong. Miami 30, Iowa State 27.
Rob Gray (9-4)
Iowa State will likely need to score in the high 30s (at least) to beat Miami and its No. 1 scoring offense. If Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward plays, as expected, the Cyclones’ defense will need to force a turnover or two to keep the game close. I think ISU almost does enough to win a bowl game for the first time since 2021, but falls a tiny bit short. Miami 38, Iowa State 33
Connor Ferguson (10-3)
It looks as though Miami quarterback Cam Ward is planning to take the field on Saturday amid the Pop Tarts mascots on the sidelines. Neither team lost many key guys to the portal and both rosters should have mostly everyone available. The Hurricanes survived multiple scares to inferior competition through the year, but faltered down the stretch in close games. I think this one ends up close, too, but the Cyclones fall just short. Miami 33, Iowa State 30
Jeff Woody (10-3)
Honestly, these games are impossible to pick. But making a few assumptions (ISU and Miami will both see most of their starters play AND both be equally invested in the game), ISU should be healthier than they have been for months. Regardless, though, buckle up for a points-fest. ISU tries to slow it down, but Miami makes it a track meet. Clones in a fun one. Iowa State 38, Miami 33
Grant Mahoney (11-2)
Miami’s offense wants to sling the ball (#1 offense in the country – avg over 530 YPG, #1 scoring offense in the country – avg over 44 PPG) and they do run the ball decently well, but they don’t really want to run the ball. Cam Ward is playing in this game and has something to prove – as he’s trying to be the first QB taken in the upcoming NFL draft. ISU’s defense is built to stop the pass. If ISU has a healthy-ish Verdon/if both and/or either of his arms are functioning/as healthy as Verdon can be, I like our chances to slow down this Miami’s offense. Their defense is pretty solid, but play a lot of man to man which bodes well for ISU’s playmakers. In the end, I think Miami’s offense is too explosive. I unfortunately have the Canes winning this one. Miami 45, Iowa State 31
Jackson Pence (10-3)
This season has gone by so fast and we have reached the finale, the legendary Pop-Tarts Bowl. In a season of firsts, the Cyclones have a chance to reach 11 wins for the first time ever and head into the offseason with a lot of momentum for next season. More than anything I’m excited to see this team play one last time against a very high quality opponent in Miami. This is one of the only bowl games where a majority of the starters on both sides will play. That makes this an interesting matchup. Miami is one of, if not the best offensive teams in the country. The Cyclones will have to be ready to play from the start and eliminate the big plays. Future NFL lottery pick Cam Ward will play in the bowl game and presents a great challenge for Jon Heacock and Co. The Cyclone offense, should put up a lot of points on a Miami defense, that has been average to below average at best this season. If Rocco Becht can find the talented duo of Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel, and keep the ball out of harms way, the Cyclones have a chance. I think Iowa State keeps this game super competitive, but in the end can’t keep up with the Hurricanes firepower on offense. Miami 45, Iowa State 38
