College football never fails to surprise, and the 2024 Pop-Tarts Bowl is the perfect example of just how wild the sport can get. On December 28 at 3:30 p.m. ET in Orlando’s Camping World Stadium, two powerhouse teams, Iowa State and Miami, will face off in a battle where the ultimate reward isn’t just a trophy—but the privilege of deciding which flavor of giant, sentient Pop-Tart gets spared from an almost comically gruesome fate.
In its second year, the Pop-Tarts Bowl has massive expectations to live up to, following last year’s viral spectacle in which a toaster pastry experienced a bizarre, almost mystical act of “sacrifice” on the field. That unforgettable moment left fans questioning their reality, and now, two teams whose College Football Playoff hopes crumbled late in the season are stepping in to carry the torch. The No. 18 Iowa State Cyclones, who couldn’t seize control of a tumultuous Big 12, and the No. 13 Miami Hurricanes, whose late-season slide opened the door for Clemson to snatch the ACC title, will square off for a place in the final AP Top 25—and to choose their Pop-Tart mascot’s flavor. Will it be the bold Wild Berry, the decadent Hot Fudge Sundae, or the underwhelming Cinnamon Roll?
Of course, on paper, this is a thrilling contest between two top-20 teams, with much to prove. But let’s be honest: the real drama here lies in which Pop-Tart gets to escape a fiery fate while millions of viewers tune in, eagerly awaiting the strange spectacle.
The game’s spotlight falls on Miami’s star quarterback, Cam Ward. A Heisman finalist and likely top-5 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Ward could have easily skipped this bowl game, especially considering its lack of postseason stakes. But instead, he’s ready to lead the Hurricanes one last time, looking to add another highlight to a sensational season where he threw 40 touchdowns.
On the other side, Iowa State counters with Rocco Becht, who has spearheaded a high-powered passing attack with standout receivers Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel, each surpassing 1,000 yards this season. After a 2024 campaign filled with highs and lows, including a lone victory over a ranked Iowa team, the Cyclones need this win to prove they are more than just a flash in the pan.
So, while the game itself promises plenty of excitement, it’s the quirky, bizarre stakes of deciding which Pop-Tart gets to survive that will truly keep fans glued to their screens. In a sport known for its unpredictability, the Pop-Tarts Bowl delivers yet another unforgettably outrageous chapter.
