How does Miami match up with Pop-Tarts Bowl opponent Iowa State?

It was announced on Friday that the Miami Hurricanes will face the Iowa State Cyclones in the Pop-Tarts Bowl on December 28 in Orlando, Florida. After they lost the Big 12 Championship Game to Arizona State, Iowa State finished the year 10-3 while Miami finished 10-2.

Bowl games are always tricky because there are always several opt-outs and we get to see a lot of younger players get some action. But assuming both teams send their best squads out there, how do these two teams match up? Let's take a look.

It's no secret that the Hurricanes sported one of the country's best offenses in 2024, primarily through the passing game. They'll be going up against a defense that allowed more rushing yards than passing yards per game, allowing nearly 180 rushing yards to just over 160 passing yards per contest.

In two of their three losses on the year, the Cyclones allowed 200 or more rushing yards. In their only other loss on the year, they still allowed 129 yards on the ground. Allowing over five yards per carry throughout the entire season, the game plan for beating Iowa State is pretty easy, pound the rock.

The Cyclones' defense, however, did record 21 takeaways on the year (14 interceptions, seven fumble recoveries), so they've been able to get off the field at a good rate. As long as the Hurricanes can take care of the football, this unit shouldn't be too intimidating.

Offensively, Iowa State fares better through the air, as quarterback Rocco Brecht threw for over 3,000 yards with 22 touchdowns and nine interceptions this year. Two of the team's leading receivers, Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel, both eclipsed 1,000 yards on the year, while the team's leading rusher, Carson Hansen, had just 670 rushing yards.

Miami's defensive woes were clear this year and were a primary factor in the team being ousted from the College Football Playoffs. If Brecht and Iowa State's top two receivers play, it could be a long day for Miami's defense, which allowed Syracuse quarterback Kyle McCord to throw all over them last time out.

Overall, the teams are similar in talent. Despite Iowa State's offensive prowess, Miami still edges them in that department. Defensively, however, Iowa State would appear to have the upper hand.

Considering the disappointing end to the season and a similarly disappointing National Signing Day this past week, it would behoove the Hurricanes to give 100 percent effort against a good Iowa State team to close out what was an otherwise great season.