College football fans and particularly supporters of the Iowa State Cyclones and Miami Hurricanes are asking, “Where is the Pop-Tart Bowl?” The answer is Camping World Stadium in sunny Orlando, Florida, and in 2023, it was the site of an unforgettable, high-scoring clash. No. 18 Iowa State (11-3, 7-2 Big 12) triumphed over No. 15 Miami (10-3, 6-2 ACC) in a dramatic 42-41 victory that went down to the wire in the Pop-Tarts Bowl.
The game, played on Saturday afternoon, was a rollercoaster of emotions, especially for Cyclones fans. Trailing by 10 points in the second half, Iowa State demonstrated incredible resilience, mounting a comeback for the ages. At the heart of this resurgence was quarterback Rocco Becht, who once again proved his mettle as a field general, leading his team to their fourth game-winning drive of the season. Becht’s performance in this bowl game solidified his status and earned him the coveted Pop-Tarts Bowl MVP award.
With less than six minutes remaining on the clock and the Cyclones down by six, Becht orchestrated a masterful 15-play, 84-yard drive. The tension was palpable as the drive culminated in a crucial 4th-and-goal situation. Becht, unfazed by the pressure, dove into the endzone for the touchdown, giving Iowa State their first lead of the second half with just 59 seconds left in the game. This drive was punctuated by critical plays, including an 11-yard scramble on 3rd-and-6 and a 29-yard pass to Jaylin Noel on 3rd-and-1, each keeping the Cyclones’ hopes alive.
Miami, however, was not ready to concede. They had one last opportunity to snatch victory. But Drew Surges, with nerves of steel, intercepted an Emory Williams pass as time expired, sealing the Iowa State win and etching this game into Cyclones’ history. The victory also marked a historic milestone for the program, breaking the school record for the most wins in a single season with 11.
Rocco Becht’s stellar performance included 270 passing yards and three touchdowns. His primary target, Jaylin Noel, was equally impressive, hauling in eight receptions for 117 yards and a touchdown. Together, they spearheaded an offensive explosion that resulted in Iowa State’s highest-ever point total in a bowl game. For Noel, this game was a fitting capstone to an outstanding college career. He cemented his legacy as one of the greatest wide receivers in Iowa State history, moving to second place on the school’s all-time reception list with a remarkable 245 catches.
Adding to the offensive firepower was running back Carson Hansen. He delivered a career-defining performance, scoring three touchdowns – two rushing and one receiving – breaking the school record for most touchdowns in a bowl game. Hansen rushed for 82 yards on 16 carries and concluded the season with an impressive 13 rushing touchdowns, tying for 11th place on Iowa State’s single-season list.
The first half of the Pop-Tarts Bowl was an offensive spectacle. Iowa State set new school bowl records for points scored in a quarter (21 in the first) and in a half (28 in the first). The game began with immediate drama as Miami fumbled on their first play from scrimmage, with Cael Brezina recovering a high snap for Iowa State. Capitalizing on the turnover, Gabe Burkle caught his first career touchdown, a 9-yard pass from Becht, putting the Cyclones ahead early.
However, Miami responded swiftly. Damien Martinez, who led all rushers with a dominant 179 yards, broke free for a 75-yard touchdown run, leveling the score at 7-7. The scoring frenzy continued as Carson Hansen scored two rushing touchdowns in the first quarter, including a 30-yard run, which became the longest rushing touchdown in Iowa State bowl history. Miami’s quarterback, Cam Ward, also showcased his arm talent, throwing two touchdown passes, including a 40-yard strike to Joshisa Trader, tying the score again at 21-21.
The back-and-forth action persisted. Hansen completed his hat-trick of touchdowns, this time with a 13-yard reception from Becht, giving Iowa State a 28-21 lead in the second quarter. Miami answered once more, with Ward connecting with Elijah Arroyo for a 33-yard touchdown pass, making it 28-28. As halftime approached, Andres Borregales kicked a 30-yard field goal in the final seconds of the second quarter, giving Miami a narrow 31-28 lead going into the break.
Miami extended their lead early in the second half with a 10-play, 71-yard touchdown drive, making it 38-28. The Cyclone offense, which had stalled briefly, found its rhythm again. A 27-yard rush by Hansen and a 13-yard reception by Isaiah Alston set up Jaylin Noel’s 4-yard touchdown catch from Becht, narrowing the deficit to 38-35 late in the third quarter.
Crucially, the Iowa State defense tightened up in the latter stages of the game, allowing only three points in the final 22 minutes. Jontez Williams and Ta’Shawn James each recorded eight tackles, and the Cyclones forced three turnovers while maintaining a clean sheet themselves with zero turnovers committed.
This Pop-Tarts Bowl victory was not just a win; it was a milestone achievement for Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell. It marked his record-setting third bowl win with the school and the 13th victory over a ranked team in the past eight years, further solidifying his and the program’s ascent in college football. The 2023 Pop-Tarts Bowl at Camping World Stadium in Orlando will be remembered as a classic, showcasing high-octane offense and a dramatic Iowa State comeback.
