In a highly anticipated matchup during the College Football Bowl season, Iowa State emerged victorious over Miami in the recently held Poptarts Bowl, a game that captivated fans not only for its athletic competition but also for its whimsical festivities. The game, which took place in Camping World Stadium in Orlando, did not carry the prestige of a championship bowl but became widely talked about due to its entertaining elements.
The Poptarts Bowl has evolved into an internet sensation since its inception in 2023. This year, the event featured a humorous post-game celebration where a giant toaster pastry mascot was “sacrificed” to the winning team. Iowa State’s victory over the 13th ranked Miami Hurricanes was marked by a tension-filled game that ended dramatically with Iowa State scoring a last-minute touchdown, sealing their win with a final score of 42-41.
A notable highlight was Miami quarterback Cam Ward, who set a new record in Division I college football by throwing his 156th touchdown. However, his decision to leave the game at halftime to protect himself for the upcoming NFL Draft proved costly for Miami, as the team’s performance declined in the second half without him.
The event also drew attention for its entertaining mascot portrayals. A special tribute was released for the Strawberry Frosted Pop-Tart mascot, which gained fame in the previous year’s game and was reimagined as a cartoonish zombie for this year’s festivities. Following the win, Iowa State’s quarterback Rocco Becht was named MVP and had the lighthearted duty of choosing one of the three Pop-Tart mascots to drop into a large ceremonial toaster, ultimately selecting the cinnamon roll mascot, alluding to the game’s playful spirit.