The Miami Hurricanes (10-2) and Iowa State Cyclones (10-3) are set to clash for the first time in program history at the Pop-Tarts Bowl on Saturday, December 28, at 3:30 PM in Orlando, FL. Both teams are riding strong seasons into this matchup, making it one of the most intriguing non-playoff bowl games of the year.
Under Mario Cristobal, the Hurricanes delivered a stellar regular season, narrowly missing the ACC Championship game. Miami’s explosive offense, led by Heisman Trophy finalist Cam Ward, averaged 44.2 points per game, the best in the nation. Ward, the Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award winner, threw for 4,123 yards and 36 touchdowns, including 11 to standout receiver Xavier Restrepo. While Restrepo is likely sitting out to prepare for the NFL Draft, Miami has other weapons ready to step up, including young wideouts Ray Ray Joseph, JoJo Trader, and Ny Carr.
Defensively, Miami held opponents to just 110.1 rushing yards per game, ranking top-15 nationally. Anchored by Simeon Barrow Jr., Akheem Mesidor, and Tyler Baron in the trenches, and ballhawk Mishael Powell in the secondary, the Hurricanes have the talent to limit Iowa State’s offense.
The Cyclones also enjoyed a historic season, notching their first 10-win campaign in the program’s 133-year history. Quarterback Rocco Becht has been consistent, with a TD pass in 17 straight games and over 6,000 career passing yards. His top targets, Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel, both eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards this season, making them a formidable duo against Miami’s secondary.
On defense, Iowa State prides itself on discipline, averaging just 3.9 penalties per game, the lowest in the nation. The unit, led by Ben Freyler and Malik Verdon, allowed just 21.5 points per contest and will aim to disrupt Miami’s high-powered offense.
Players to Watch
Miami Hurricanes
Cam Ward (QB)
Season Stats: 4,123 passing yards, 67% completion rate, 36 touchdowns, 7 interceptions
Notable Achievements: Heisman Trophy finalist, Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award winner, and one of the most efficient passers in college football. Ward leads the nation’s top-ranked offense, showcasing poise in the pocket and a knack for clutch performances.
Impact: As the engine of Miami’s offense, Ward’s ability to dissect defenses will be crucial against Iowa State’s disciplined secondary. Look for him to spread the ball around, especially with Restrepo out, to younger wideouts stepping into larger roles.
Damien Martinez (RB)
Season Stats: 823 rushing yards, 5.7 yards per carry, nine touchdowns
Notable Achievements: All-ACC Honorable Mention, one of the most consistent running backs in the ACC. Martinez adds balance to Miami’s explosive passing game with his physical running style and ability to break tackles.
Impact: Against an Iowa State defense that allows 126.4 rushing yards per game, Martinez could be a key factor in controlling the tempo and keeping the Cyclones’ offense off the field.
Jacolby George (WR)
Season Stats: 51 receptions, 728 yards, seven touchdowns
Notable Achievements: Emerging as a key playmaker for Miami, George has stepped up in critical moments this season. Known for his speed and ability to make defenders miss after the catch, George is a big-play threat.
Impact: With Xavier Restrepo likely out, George becomes Miami’s primary receiving option. His ability to stretch the field and win one-on-one matchups will be pivotal against Iowa State’s experienced secondary.
Iowa State Cyclones
• Jayden Higgins (WR)
o Season Stats: 87 receptions, 1,183 receiving yards, 9 touchdowns
o Notable Achievements: Associated Press Third-Team All-American, second-team All-Big 12 selection. Higgins is a South Florida native and a dynamic playmaker with the ability to win contested catches and create separation downfield.
o Impact: Playing in his home state, Higgins will be highly motivated. His chemistry with quarterback Rocco Becht will be key to exploiting Miami’s secondary.
• Jaylin Noel (WR/ST)
o Season Stats: 82 receptions, 1,048 receiving yards, 7 touchdowns; 12.4 yards per punt return
o Notable Achievements: Co-Special Teams Player of the Year in the Big 12, first-team All-Big 12 punt returner. Noel brings versatility as both a receiver and a dangerous return specialist.
o Impact: Noel’s ability to impact the game on special teams could tilt field position in Iowa State’s favor. As a receiver, his quickness and route running will challenge Miami’s defense.
• Ben Freyler (DB)
• Season Stats: 82 tackles, 2 interceptions, 4 pass deflections
• Notable Achievements: One of Iowa State’s defensive leaders, Freyler is a hard-hitting safety with great instincts in coverage.
• Impact: Freyler will be tasked with helping Iowa State limit Cam Ward’s deep ball and disrupting Miami’s passing attack.
• Malik Verdon (DB)
• Season Stats: 75 tackles, 1 interception, 5 pass deflections, 1 forced fumble
• Notable Achievements: Second-team All-Big 12 selection, Verdon combines athleticism and physicality in Iowa State’s secondary.
• Impact: Verdon’s ability to match up with Miami’s big-bodied receivers could be critical in limiting their production.
Prediction
This game marks a pivotal moment for both programs. For Miami, it’s a chance to secure their first bowl win since 2016 and their first 11-win season since 2003. For Iowa State, it’s an opportunity to cap their historic season on a high note. Expect Cam Ward, playing his final game for Miami, to put on a show. Despite the absence of Restrepo, the Hurricanes’ depth and high-octane offense should outpace the Cyclones. Iowa State’s disciplined defense will keep the game close, but Miami’s talent advantage will prevail.
Final Score: Miami 34, Iowa State 31
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