Dec 28, 2024; Orlando, FL, USA; Iowa State Cyclones defensive lineman J.R. Singleton (58) and wide receiver Jaylin Noel (13) celebrate with the trophy after defeating the Miami Hurricanes at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images
ORLANDO, Fla. — Iowa State’s defense forced Miami to punt just once in Saturday’s Pop-Tarts Bowl at Camping World Stadium.
But it came at the perfect time — the one, final time the No. 18 Cyclones could furiously complete their 42-41 comeback win over the 13th-ranked Hurricanes.
“I was never nervous about (the offense) scoring,” said senior captain and defensive tackle J.R. Singleton, who watched his quarterback Rocco Becht lead ISU on a last-minute outcome-sealing drive that helped met him Pop-Tarts Bowl MVP honors. “They’d been moving the ball all day, right? It was just about us getting stops. And it was really weird. We were just off in a couple places, like we were getting them in third and longs, and then couldn’t get them off there field.”
Until 6:34 remained. And it’s not like the Cyclones’ defense — which allowed 308 rushing yards and 524 total yards — didn’t get off the field in other more opportunistic ways. ISU recovered a fumble on Miami’s first snap from scrimmage, collected another one as the Hurricanes were driving in the third quarter, then cemented the win in recently-returned, and formerly-injured safety Drew Surges’ interception on the final play of the game.
That’s three takeaways to zero giveaways, and that’s the biggest reason the Cyclones (11-3) escaped Camping World Stadium with a win for the first time in three tries.
“This is about team, and getting everybody to believe in something bigger than yourself,” said ISU head coach Matt Campbell, who improved to 3-4 in bowl games in his successful nine-season tenure. “It’s one of the great rewards and we are fortunate to be able to do it here at Iowa State.”
Campbell called Singleton the Cyclones’ “spiritual leader” at the team’s pep rally on Friday and Singleton continued to serve in that role as ISU slowly strengthened defensively as the game wore on. Miami (10-3) racked up 358 of its 524 yards in the first half, and managed to gain just 55 yards in the fourth quarter.
The Cyclones won 11 games for the first time in program history — extending the previous record streak by one. ISU had won nine games twice, and once under Campbell, and made reaching historic milestones a theme throughout a season that surpassed all the others.
“I don’t think there’s anything I could say to describe it,” Singleton said of attaining 11 wins. “It’s been 133 years. We made history.. Obviously, we were pushing to get into that (College Football Playoff), but you aim for the moon, and land on the stars. And it’s not bad being on the stars.”
So the Cyclones’ moon shot ending up pushing them light years ahead. None of it came easy, but what would be the fun in that?
“It’s been a really unique journey here,” said Campbell, whose team went 3-9 in his first season at ISU. “I’ve said this before with so many people — when we took the job and we came to Iowa State, I think they said, man, you’re going to the coaching graveyard.”
And look at them now: Toting off a Pop-Tarts Bowl trophy that has a working toaster attached.
“I had a bunch of my friends here for the first time to see me play,” said Becht, who grew up in Florida and was named the Pop-Tarts Bowl MVP. “It was special for me to get this win.”
CARSON CRUISES
ISU tailback Carson Hansen rushed for two touchdowns and also scored via the air. His 30-yard touchdown run in the first quarter was the longest by a Cyclones in a bowl game. Hansen ended the season with 15 touchdowns (13 rushing, two receiving).
“I love this team,” the sophomore from Lakeville, Minn., said. “Getting 11 wins is just something you’ll never forget.”
ETC.
Iowa State finished as one of 17 FBS teams to not allow 300 yards passing in a single game this season. They gave up 216 yards via the air against the Hurricanes. … Campbell is not just the Cyclones’ winningest head coach in program history — he’s also won the most bowl games (three). He passed Dan McCarney in both areas, and the former ISU head coach attended Saturday’s game. … The Cyclones went 3-for-4 on fourth down conversions to finish the season 20 of 25 in such situations. That ranks second-best among FBS teams.
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