As soon as the regular season comes to a chaotic end, the hype around the bowl season swirls over the realm. Amidst a series of games, No 13 Miami Hurricanes will face off against No 17 Iowa State in a historic Pop Tarts Bowl in Orlando, Fla., on Dec. 28 on ABC. It’s true that a Pop-Tarts Bowl win won’t hand the honor that both teams were hoping to earn in their sluggish season. No, they are not here to fight for a national championship. But if you compare it to the other non-playoff bowls, the prize is quite elite. Just a week back, the higher-ups officially unveiled its 2024 championship trophy, which features a working toaster. Forget Grammy. This trophy is a mad lure for all the foodies!

Pop-Tarts Bowl has an illustrated history to take a look back at. The innovative initiatives and all the added spark came through the consistent evolution of a tradition. Originally named the Blockbuster Bowl, the game came into existence in Miami, Florida, back in 1990. The first year turned out a huge victory venture with Penn State and Florida State delivering their best, captivating 74,000 eyes live from the stadium.

Over the years, the iconic Bowl changed its shape, form, and name. In 2023, for the first time, the game came off under the title, ‘Pop Tarts Bowl,’ and with a unique mascot. The event made headlines for presenting its first-ever edible mascot, which was, in fact, relished by the champions afterwards. This year, with the toaster trophy on the line, can Miami get a bite?

Puns aside, it’s a prestige fight for both Miami and Iowa State. For Iowa State, a win would bring the Cyclones to 11 wins in a season for the first time in program history. For Miami, they can seal their first-ever 11-win season since 2003, when the Hurricanes grabbed the Orange Bowl and clinched a No. 5 rank in the country.

Also, it would be a farewell game for the Miami quarterback Cam Ward—who is expected to be a top pick in the 2025 NFL draft. Canes coach Mario Cristobal and the entire fanbase were in a severe dilemma over Ward’s availability in the Bowl game. When he announced the final game appearance, it came off as a delightful shock. So, the game has to be treated as a must-win to bid the hero a lustrous goodbye. The betting odds also give a nod to the idea, keeping the No 13 Hurricanes 3.5 points ahead of the opponent. But, come on, Mario Cristobal isn’t letting the rat poison narrative work on his team.

Mario Cristobal puts Iowa State on a pedestal ahead of the bowl game

Cristobal has been high on Iowa State’s overall strength and appreciates their wholesome season. The Cyclones put together 31 points a game this season and run the best-ranked offenses in the country. They also dominate in the fourth-down percentages in FBS with a rushing attack that averaged over 150 yards a game.

”Excellent football team. A lot of respect for Coach Campbell. I know that offensively; I think they’re one of maybe one of the teams that have two 1,000-yard receivers. They’re really explosive on offense and they’ve always played great defense you know I believe they’re a top three or four passing defenses in the country very disciplined very hard-nosed very tough and very physical,” Cristobal said.

He loves the raw energy the Cyclones bring out whenever they are on the field. It won’t be a cakewalk for the Canes to top them under pressure. But it will be worth it. After all, a mascot pastry, a championship toast and last but not least, the winning pomp awaits!