The Miami Hurricanes may not have achieved their ultimate goal of making the 12-team College Football Playoff, but they’re not finished yet. With a 10-2 record, they’re set to face No. 18 Iowa State (10-3) in the Pop-Tarts Bowl at Camping World Stadium. While their season didn’t end as they’d hoped, Coach Mario Cristobal and his team are determined to go out with a bang.
“There’s a lot of excitement and opportunity for our guys,” Cristobal said. “This is a special group that’s worked tirelessly to change the course of Miami football. They’re hungry to elevate the program’s status and culture, so there’s plenty to play for.”
Despite falling short of the playoff, the Hurricanes have shown significant growth under Cristobal’s leadership. From a 5-win team in his first season to 7 wins in 2023 and now 10 wins in 2024, they’ve clearly made strides. A victory on Saturday would not only secure just their third bowl win since 2005, but also mark their first 11-win season since 2003, setting an incredible tone for the future.
“This game is both the end of 2024 and the start of 2025,” Cristobal said. “It’s the last chance to build momentum going into the offseason. This is the most important game because it’s the next one.”
But it won’t be easy. The Cyclones are a formidable opponent, coming off a close loss in the Big 12 Championship game that knocked them out of College Football Playoff contention. On offense, Iowa State features an explosive duo of wide receivers in Jayden Higgins (a Miami native from Westminster Christian) and Jaylin Noel, both surpassing 1,000 receiving yards. The Cyclones also have a dynamic trio of running backs—Carson Hansen, Abu Sama III, and Jaylon Jackson—who have combined for over 1,600 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns.
Defensively, Iowa State is led by cornerback Jontez Williams (4 interceptions) and defensive lineman Joey Peterson (6 tackles for loss). Cristobal knows the challenge ahead: “They’re explosive on offense, and their defense is disciplined, tough, and physical.”
For the Hurricanes, this bowl game is more than just a chance to win; it’s about proving their progress and setting the stage for next season. “We’re not satisfied,” Cristobal said. “We want to win every game. We were close in a few, but close isn’t good enough. We’re hungry for progress, and our focus is on getting better, improving as a program, and giving our best against a top-tier opponent.”
The stakes are high for Miami, not only for the immediate future but for the legacy they’re building. With a history of bowl struggles in recent years, including losses in 12 of their past 14 bowl games, this is a golden opportunity for redemption and a springboard to greater heights.
This will be the first-ever meeting between the Hurricanes and Iowa State, and with everything on the line, Miami is ready to close the season with a statement.
