For the first time in over 130 years of playing collegiate football, Iowa State won 11 games, capping off the greatest Cyclone season with a thrilling win in the Pop-Tarts Bowl.

Rocco Becht put the bow on it all with a 1-yard dive into the end zone, giving Iowa State a come-from-behind 42-41 win over Miami. 

The game had a little bit of everything including an incredible start, historic performances and of course, the edible Pop-Tart for the winning team.

Here are three starts for Iowa State from the Pop-Tarts Bowl win over Miami:

Becht not only shined bright when his team needed it the most, he showcased himself in a high-profile matchup with Heisman finalist and future top NFL draft pick Cam Ward. 

Becht, who scored the game-winning TD on a short run, completed 22 of 36 for 270 yards and three scores through the air. He displayed exceptional arm strength and accuracy, while also proving his will power while helping Iowa State erase a deficit. 

The Cyclones scored on their first four possessions of the game, which was impressive. But when things started to go in the wrong direction, it was Becht who calmed the storm. 

Going into his junior season, Becht seems poised for what should be an opportunity to really put his name out there for major award.

Over the past season, Becht was able to work with one of the top 1-2 punches in college football at wide receiver with Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel. Higgins, though, opted to sit out the game, leaving Noel all alone.

And he stepped up.

Noel caught eight passes for 177 yards with a touchdown, including several key catches in critical situations that kept drives alive. With his day, Noel showcased that he has the skills to become an NFL receiver with exceptional hands, speed and size. 

Several times over the past few years, rumors have circulated that Campbell would leave Ames for bigger coaching gigs. But time and time again, he decided to stay with Iowa State.

The school has rewarded Campbell with an incredible extension that will keep him in town for the next decade. He also earned over a million dollars in bonuses for winning 11 games.

Against Miami, Campbell had Iowa State hitting on all cylinders. And faced with adversity, it was Campbell who righted the ship and got them back pointed in the correct direction.

Under Campbell, the Cyclones have built a program filled with NFL-worthy players and top college athletes.

* Iowa State wins Pop-Tarts Bowl over Miami with last-minute score

* Pop-Tarts Bowl had it all including edible trophy, stunning rally

* Quick reaction to Iowa State’s first half of the Pop-Tarts Bowl

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – Kwanzaa celebrations have returned to the African American Museum of Iowa.

The Cedar Rapids museum hosted a Kwanzaa event on Saturday, and organizers said it was the first event of its type for the museum in about 20 years.

The holiday of Kwanzaa consists of seven principles, and Michelle Edwards, a member of Women in NAACP (WIN), can tell you how her life is a reflection of those ideas.

Edwards wrote a children’s book, which she said connected to one Kwanzaa principle in particular.

“It goes along with the principle of Nia, and [that] stands for purpose,” she said.

The book Edwards was selling at Saturday’s event was about not being afraid of storms.

“My motto was never put a period on your life, so this gave my writing that I’ve always done a purpose,” she said.

Organizers of Saturday’s event said Kwanzaa was about purpose, as well as empowerment, self-determination, and joy.

“It’s a celebration of Black culture, Black life,” said Jacqueline Hunter, Museum Educator for the African American Museum Of Iowa. “The things that we are thankful for from the past, what we are looking to do, and focusing on the future.”

While the holiday was a celebration of Black life, Hunter added that anyone can live by the Kwanzaa principles.

“This is an event that is inspired by Black life, but we live among the community, and we want people to share in the experiences that we have here at the museum.”

“To me it’s about unity, uniting this community. I think about peace, peace in this world,” said Nancy Humbles, Chairperson of WIN.

A question Kwanzaa poses is “How can we be our best?” and the answer on Saturday was found in an afternoon of shared togetherness, and in the attention paid to how that togetherness can inspire.

“It gives you the strength, the umph to keep going,” said Edwards. “Because sometimes when you start things that are even in your purpose, you don’t always finish them and Kwanzaa—the concept of Kwanzaa helps you get there. Gives you that extra push.”

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The No. 19 Iowa State Cyclones (10-3) face the Miami Hurricanes (10-2) in the Pop-Tarts Bowl on Saturday at Camping World Stadium in Orlando. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC.

How to Watch #18 Iowa State vs #13 Miami in the Pinstripe Bowl:

• Date: Saturday, December 28, 2024
• Time: 3:30 PM ET
• Channel: ABC
• Stream: Fubo

The Cyclones were rolling toward the Big 12 championship game, winning their final three regular-season games to secure a spot. However, their title hopes were dashed in a 45-19 blowout loss to Arizona State. Despite the defeat, Iowa State’s 7-2 conference record and 10-win season gave them an opportunity for another bowl game.

Led by a balanced offense and a gritty defense, the Cyclones have consistently performed well in big games. Their ability to control the tempo and limit mistakes will be critical as they face a talented Miami team hungry to prove itself.

The Hurricanes’ season ended on a sour note, with a shocking 42-38 loss to Syracuse in the final week of the regular season. Miami entered that game as 12-point favorites, but defensive lapses proved costly. That loss, combined with a stumble against North Carolina earlier, kept the Hurricanes out of the ACC title game.

Still, Miami boasts an explosive offense capable of scoring in bunches, and their defense, while inconsistent, has shown flashes of brilliance. The Hurricanes will need to tighten up on both sides of the ball to handle the disciplined Cyclones.

Key Matchup: Iowa State’s Defense vs. Miami’s Offense

This game could come down to Iowa State’s ability to contain Miami’s high-powered offense. The Hurricanes thrive on big plays, and if they can exploit the Cyclones’ secondary, they’ll put points on the board in a hurry. Iowa State, on the other hand, will look to slow things down and force Miami into long drives, where their defense can capitalize on mistakes.

The Cyclones’ offense, while not as flashy, is efficient and capable of grinding out drives to control the clock. Miami’s defense will need to step up and make key stops, particularly on third down, to prevent Iowa State from dictating the pace.