Ah, bowl season—the most wonderful time of the year for college football fans. The gifts? Thrilling matchups, compelling storylines, and just a sprinkle of holiday chaos. This Saturday, the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando promises all of that and more as the Miami Hurricanes (10-2) take on the Iowa State Cyclones (10-3). Two teams, each with their own narrative of resilience, will clash in Camping World Stadium, where stakes and stories are as high as the Florida sunshine. But while fans gear up to watch this showdown unfold, there’s another layer to the excitement that isn’t just about touchdowns or turnovers.
This time, the voices guiding us through the action are none other than the dynamic duo of Tom Hart and Jordan Rodgers, with a 2:30 p.m. kickoff and air live on ABC. Hart, a seasoned broadcaster and a mainstay of the SEC Network, brings a certain gravitas to the game. His smooth play-by-play delivery and deep knowledge of the sport make him a fan favorite. And his partner in the booth? Rodgers, the former Vanderbilt quarterback and younger brother of NFL superstar Aaron Rodgers, has carved out his own legacy in sports broadcasting. His sharp insights and relatable demeanor make him a perfect fit for this kind of electric atmosphere.
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Fresh out of the toaster and this matchup is hot! #PopTartsBowl
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— Pop-Tarts Bowl (@PopTartsBowl) December 8, 2024
For Iowa State, this game isn’t just another postseason appearance—it’s a shot at redemption. Despite their historic 10-win season, the Cyclones come into this bowl with the weight of a disappointing Big 12 title game loss. Under Matt Campbell, who’s now led them to seven bowl games.
Iowa State has grown into a consistent contender. But their bowl record of 5-12 is a ghost they’re eager to exorcise. “This team is hungry,” Campbell said earlier this week. “We’ve shown resilience all year, and this bowl is another opportunity to prove that.” And prove they must, against a Miami squad led by Heisman finalist and NFL-bound Cam Ward, who’s expected to light up the field.
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And with Rodgers in the booth, his quarterbacking brilliance will undoubtedly get the spotlight it deserves.
Players to look for: Miami Hurricanes Vs. Iowa State
Miami brings its own star power and swagger. Cam Ward, who chose to play despite being projected as a top NFL Draft pick, leads Mario Cristobal and Canes brimming with potential. Ward’s dual-threat capabilities—over 4,000 passing yards and nearly 600 on the ground this season—make him the kind of player who can turn any game into a highlight reel.
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In addition to the QB1, it has star running back Damien Martinez. He rushed for a team-high 823 yards and nine TDs. This marks the first meeting on the gridiron between Iowa State and Miami. After opening as a favorite, the Campbell-led Iowa State now find themselves the underdogs, as the Hurricanes are 3-point favorites.
So, don’t forget to grab a Pop-Tart.
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Can Iowa State finally shake off their bowl game curse against Miami's powerhouse Cam Ward?
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