Amber Aniston • December 28, 2024

Iowa State Rallies to Defeat Miami 42-41 in Thrilling Pop-Tarts Bowl

In one of the most exciting games of the bowl season, No. 18 Iowa State capped off its best season in school history with a dramatic 42-41 comeback win over No. 15 Miami in the Pop-Tarts Bowl at Camping World Stadium in Orlando. The victory secured an 11-3 record for the Cyclones, marking the first time in the program’s 133-year history that they achieved 11 wins in a season. 



Early Offensive Explosion 

The game began with a frenetic pace, as both teams traded touchdowns on their first four drives. Miami quarterback Cam Ward showcased his passing prowess in the first half, throwing for 190 yards and three touchdowns, including a 40-yard strike to Joshisa Trader and a 33-yard connection with Elijah Arroyo. Damien Martinez added to Miami’s offensive fireworks with a 75-yard rushing touchdown, finishing the game with a career-high 179 rushing yards. 


Iowa State responded with equal firepower. Rocco Becht, the Cyclones’ quarterback and eventual Pop-Tarts Bowl MVP, threw three first-half touchdown passes, including a 9-yard strike to Gabe Burkle and a 13-yard pass to Carson Hansen. Hansen, who set a school record with three touchdowns in the game, also rushed for two scores, including a 30-yard sprint that marked the longest rushing touchdown in Cyclone bowl history. 


The first half ended with Miami holding a 31-28 lead, following an Andres Borregales 30-yard field goal as time expired. The teams combined for 59 points and 625 total yards in a half defined by offensive fireworks and minimal defensive resistance. 



Second-Half Adjustments 

Miami extended its lead to 38-28 early in the third quarter with a 71-yard touchdown drive capped by a one-yard rush from Mark Fletcher Jr. However, the Hurricanes’ offense stalled in the latter stages of the game, managing only three points on their final three drives. 


Iowa State began its comeback late in the third quarter. Becht connected with Jaylin Noel for a four-yard touchdown pass, cutting the deficit to 38-35. Noel finished the game with eight catches for 117 yards, moving to second on Iowa State’s all-time receptions list with 245. 


The Cyclone defense tightened in the fourth quarter, forcing Miami into a field goal that extended the Hurricanes’ lead to 41-35. Jontez Williams and Ta’Shawn James led the defensive effort with eight tackles each, helping to limit Miami to just 64 total yards in the final 22 minutes. 


 

Game-Winning Drive 

With under six minutes remaining, Iowa State mounted its most critical drive of the season. Becht orchestrated a 15-play, 84-yard march down the field, converting on third and fourth downs to keep the drive alive. The key moments included an 11-yard scramble by Becht on third-and-6 and a 29-yard pass to Noel on third-and-1. 


On fourth-and-goal from the two-yard line, Becht called his own number and dove into the end zone to give Iowa State its first lead of the second half with 56 seconds remaining. 


Miami had one final chance to respond, but Cyclones linebacker Drew Surges intercepted Emory Williams’ pass on the game’s final play, sealing the victory and sparking celebrations on the Iowa State sideline. 



Key Performances 

Rocco Becht delivered one of the finest performances of his young career, throwing for 270 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for the game-winning score. His poise and leadership were instrumental in Iowa State’s ability to rally from a 10-point second-half deficit. 


Carson Hansen’s versatility was on full display, as he rushed for 82 yards and two touchdowns while adding a receiving score. His three total touchdowns set an Iowa State bowl record. 


Miami’s Cam Ward dazzled in the first half, breaking multiple school records, including most passing touchdowns in a single season. He ended his collegiate career with 158 passing touchdowns, surpassing Case Keenum’s Division I record. Damien Martinez was a standout for the Hurricanes, showcasing his explosive playmaking ability with 179 rushing yards and a long touchdown run. 



Historical Significance 

The victory was Iowa State’s third bowl win under head coach Matt Campbell, who also set a school record with 13 wins against ranked teams during his tenure. The Cyclones’ 42 points marked their highest total in a bowl game, and the win solidified their place among the top teams in the Big 12. 


For Miami, the loss extended their bowl drought to six games and marked the end of a season that began with promise but ended in disappointment. The Hurricanes finished with a 10-3 record after starting the season 9-0 and briefly entering the College Football Playoff conversation. 


 

Looking Ahead 

Iowa State will open the 2025 season in Dublin, Ireland, with a matchup against Kansas State. With Becht returning and a strong foundation in place, the Cyclones aim to build on their historic season and contend for a Big 12 title. 


Miami faces a pivotal offseason as they seek to address defensive inconsistencies and maintain offensive production under head coach Mario Cristobal. The Hurricanes will begin their 2025 campaign at home against Notre Dame, aiming to rebound from their bowl loss and build on their 10-win season. 



A Game for the Ages 

The Pop-Tarts Bowl will be remembered as one of the most thrilling games of the season, showcasing the resilience and determination of both teams. For Iowa State, the 42-41 victory represents a milestone in program history and a testament to their growth under Matt Campbell. For Miami, it serves as a reminder of the challenges that remain and the potential for future success. 

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