Iowa State vs. Miami: Predictions, latest odds for Pop-Tarts Bowl
The Pop-Tarts Bowl, featuring the No. 16 Miami Hurricanes vs. the No. 19 Iowa State Cyclones, could be one of the most enjoyable bowl games for fans and players alike.
The matchup features two teams that were in contention to make the College Football Playoff, and the game at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, features not one but three edible mascots to choose from that will be awarded to the winning team to enjoy.
Despite a setback in the Big 12 championship game against Arizona State, the Cyclones are not letting it dampen their spirits. They head to the Pop-Tarts Bowl coming off a 10-3 season and determined to secure their first bowl victory since 2020. Leading this charge is Iowa State quarterback, Rocco Becht, who has thrown for 3,235 yards, 22 touchdowns and nine interceptions, while completing 59.3% of his passes. Becht has also contributed with his legs, rushing for 295 yards and scored seven touchdowns this season.
Like Iowa State, the Hurricanes come in with strong motivation after narrowly missing out on a spot in the College Football Playoff. Quarterback Cam Ward has emerged as a standout player for Miami, having been named a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, the Associated Press Offensive Player of the Year and the Newcomer of the Year in the Atlantic Coast Conference. It is still uncertain whether Ward will begin preparing for the 2025 NFL draft, which could lead to him missing the bowl game.
Here is everything to know ahead of the Pop-Tarts Bowl.
Pop-Tarts Bowl predictions: Iowa State vs. Miami
Paste BN: Hurricanes the unanimous pick
- Scooby Axon: Miami
- Jordan Mendoza: Miami
- Paul Myerberg: Miami
- Erick Smith: Miami
- Eddie Timanus: Miami
- Dan Wolken: Miami
ESPN: Iowa State 38, Miami 27
Adam Rittenberg writes: "When teams fall short of the CFP, college football offers them an incredible consolation: the chance to eat the Pop-Tarts mascot. This truly is the greatest sport. ISU and Miami certainly will have some degree of disappointment, and the opt-outs could loom large, especially if Hurricanes star quarterback Cam Ward chooses to begin his NFL draft preparation. Iowa State likely has more motivation here, as it can build on its team-record wins total (currently at 10) and claim its first bowl victory since 2020. Miami has been a really bad bowl team, dropping 11 of its last 12, and the misery will continue."
Sporting News: Miami 29, Iowa State 26
Bill Bender writes: "Will Miami quarterback Cam Ward play? That would be a huge difference maker for the Hurricanes, who led the FBS with 44.2 points per game. Iowa State allowed 40-plus points in losses to Kansas and Arizona State. The Hurricanes were 2-0 ATS when favored by four points or less, and we look forward to the sequel with the Pop-Tarts mascot."
College Football News: Iowa State 34, Miami 20
Pete Fiutak writes: "The Pop-Tarts Bowl will bring the fun with thanks to its brilliant marketing campaign, but Miami has been a little too quiet so far with bowl opt-outs and transfers. They’re coming. For now, assume Iowa State’s starting 22 will be a bit more intact and a lot more fired up."
Bleacher Nation: Miami Hurricanes
Staff writes: "Our prediction for Miami vs. Iowa State sees the Hurricanes (-175 on the moneyline) as the pick to win. As for the total, we pick the over at 55.5 points.
Pop-Tarts Bowl odds, lines: Iowa State vs. Miami
The Miami Hurricanes are favorites to defeat the Iowa State Cyclones, according to the BetMGM college football odds.
Odds as of afternoon of Friday, Dec. 27.
- Spread: Miami (-4)
- Moneylines: Miami (-190); Iowa State (+160)
- Over/under: 57.5
Tickets to the Pop-Tarts Bowl with StubHub
How to watch Iowa State vs. Miami in the Pop-Tarts Bowl
- Date: Saturday, Dec. 28
- Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
- TV: ABC
- Stream: Fubo (free trial)
- Where: Camping World Stadium (Orlando, Florida)
Watch college football bowl games on Fubo
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