Miami Hurricanes fall short in Pop-Tarts Bowl finishing season 10-3

Miami, FL – The Miami Hurricanes wrapped up their season in deflating fashion losing 42-41 to the Iowa State Cyclones in the Pop-Tarts Bowl. Despite three touchdowns from Cam Ward, setting a new record for most career passing TDs (156) in D1 history, and 308 combined rushing yards, it was not enough to hold off the Cyclones.

The defense failed to hold the line late in the game as Rocco Becht ran it in for the one-yard go-ahead rushing TD with less than a minute to go. UM’s star player sat out the second half after completing 12 of 19 passes for 190 yards stepping aside for backup QB Emory Williams. Unable to get close enough for the game-winning field goal, Williams was forced to lob a hail mary that fell short and was intercepted.

CAM WARD SETS THE D-I RECORD FOR MOST CAREER PASSING TDS‼️ pic.twitter.com/NHQsr7ujCd

— ESPN (@espn) December 28, 2024

The Hurricanes have lost 13 of their last 15 bowl games since the 2005 season. Their last win was on December 28, 2016, in a 31-14 triumph over West Virginia in the Russell Athletic Bowl. Williams completed five of 14 passes for 26 yards and an interception. Emory was used conservatively as the team leaned heavily on the ground game. However, when he did make throws, they weren’t accurate. He was almost picked off twice.

ROCCO BECHT TAKES IT IN FOR THE LEAD ‼️#Big12FB | 📺 ABC pic.twitter.com/HYD4I9FCzz

— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) December 29, 2024

The Cardiac Canes got off to an ugly start fumbling on the game’s first play. Iowa State pounced via Becht’s nine-yard TD pass to Gabe Burkle. Miami immediately responded with a 75-yard rushing touchdown from Damian Martinez. The running back racked up 179 yards by the end of the contest. The two teams engaged in a fierce back-and-forth, including a 40-yard TD pass to Joshisa Trader and a 33-yard score to Elijah Arroyo. Miami led 31-28 by halftime. Furthermore, they extended their lead when Mark Fletcher scored on a one-yard dash. Still, the Cyclones stormed back, scoring the game-winning TD after Miami decided to have Andres Borregales kick a 21-yard field goal.

Takeaways

The defense was not up to the task, again

Rocco Becht is Your 2024 Pop-Tarts Bowl MVP!!

22/35
270 Passing Yards
3 Passing TDs
1 Game Winning Rushing TD#Big12FB | @CycloneFB | @PopTartsBowl pic.twitter.com/9RPjdLtMBB

— Big 12 Studios (@big12studios) December 29, 2024

No surprises here! Although, it doesn’t make it any less frustrating. Miami had no takeaways and only one turnover on downs. Yes, they almost picked off the opposing QB thrice, however, “almost” doesn’t cut it. Additionally, the Cyclones were three of four on fourth down and five-for-five in the red zone. Whenever it looked like the Canes were going to force a punt, Iowa State found a way to convert. Throw in the unnecessary penalties and it’s the same song and dance.

Questions going forward at QB

Emory Williams throws the int.

Game over.

Season over. pic.twitter.com/YfbAou3sOQ

— NMD Grant (@NMDgrant) December 29, 2024

At around the time Miami kicked off their ACC schedule, some in the pressbox believed next year’s starting QB was someone outside the present roster. It’s looking accurate. Granted, we saw a minuscule sample size from Emory Williams who hadn’t played since Ball State in mid-September. When he came onto the field the Hurricanes overwhelmingly resorted to running plays. Nonetheless, his few throws were not impressive. He looked awful. Benching Cam Ward was the right move in the grand scheme of things. A bowl victory would’ve been a temporary feel-good story, nothing more. UM couldn’t afford to risk a first-round draft pick in the upcoming NFL draft.

Kudos to Damien Martinez

Damien Martinez 75 YARDS TO THE HOUSE!!!! pic.twitter.com/d4Cege5w2f

— NMD Grant (@NMDgrant) December 28, 2024

He was one of the few bright spots in today’s game. The running back capitalized on Iowa State’s weakness against the rush to big effect amassing nearly 200 yards.  The hope is Damien stays through next season. If he does Martinez will likely be the team’s workhorse with Fletcher. If there was one position I am not worried about it’s the RB Corps.