Miami is 1-11 in their last 12 bowl games. The Hurricanes' last bowl win was a 31-14 victory over West Virginia in the 2016 Champs Sports Bowl. Iowa State has an experienced bowl team. The Cyclones beat Oregon in the 2021 Fiesta Bowl. The Iowa State players are experienced and hungry to beat Miami.
The Miami fans must move past not being in the College Football Playoff and quarterback Cam Ward's fourth-place finish in the Heisman Trophy voting. Miami has moved forward in the third year under Mario Cristobal. Winning the Pop-Tarts Bowl is a great exclamation point to the 204 season. The seniors would leave feeling good about their hard work.
College football fans have criticized Miami for not beating a ranked team since they were 8-0. Cristobal can improve his coaching skills by winning the Pop-Tarts Bowl. Iowa State's loss to Arizona State in the Big XII Championship doesn't tell the whole story of the Cyclones.
Iowa State is third nationally allowing 161.7 passing yards per game. The Cyclones can counter all of Miami's strengths. Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht was the fourth-ranked passer in the Big 12 with over 3,000 yards passing and 22 touchdowns. Jayden Higgins was his favorite target and fourth in the Big 12 in receiving.
Miami's secondary is the weakest area on the defense. The student newspaper, the Miami Hurricane analyzes the defense's coverage issues against Syracuse. Iowa State is a great opportunity to make up for the Syracuse game.
Iowa State was eighth in the Big XII, converting 42.7 on third down. Miami is 42nd nationally, allowing opponents to convert 35.76 percent of their third conversions. Iowa State is 11th in the Big XII in Red Zone offense and first in time of possession. Miami led the ACC in time of possession.
Iowa State can defend the pass
Iowa State is second in the Big 12 in defensive pass efficiency. The Cyclones allow an average of 6.2 yards per pass play. Iowa State is eighth in the Big XII, allowing opponents to convert 38.6 percent of their third down attempts and sixth at 52.63 percent on fourth down. Damien Martinez and Mark Fletcher could exploit this weakness.
Iowa State will be a great challenge
Higgins is a native of South Miami and was named third-team All-American by the Associated Press. There is no doubt Higgins will be ready to play against his hometown team. Matt Shodell from CaneSport says Iowa State's offensive line likes pushing teams around. Iowa State safety Beau Fryler will be playing his final college game, so emotions will be high to win.