#18 Iowa State vs #13 Miami Prediction: Poptarts Bowl Features a Battle of the Storms (Dec 28)

• Iowa State was smothered by Arizona State in the Big-12 title game, losing 45-19.
• Miami lost two of their final three games after starting 9-0, missing out on the CFP.
• This will be the very first matchup between these two teams in their program history.

The Cyclones and the Hurricanes enter this NCAAF game seeking to end the season on high after missing the CFP. Our Iowa State vs Miami prediction sees Cam Ward and the Hurricanes winning.

Iowa State Aiming to Bounce Back

Iowa State’s loss to Arizona State was brutal for two reasons. Not only was it a blowout, but it also eliminated the Cyclones from CFP contention. A win would have given them a spot in the field. Now, in the Pop-Tarts Bowl instead, it wouldn’t be shocking to see Iowa State play in an unmotivated fashion. If they do hope to win, they’ll need the defense to be far and away better than their last game.

Miami Looking for Consolation Prize

Miami is in a similar spot as Iowa State. CFP hopefuls for much of the season, the Hurricanes lost a pair of key road games down the stretch. Their failure to win those games held them out of the ACC title game and by result, the CFP. In most cases, Miami’s top players would opt out for what is an inferior bowl game. That being said, QB Cam Ward and the rest of the Hurricanes intend to play in this bowl.

Iowa State vs Miami Prediction: Cam Ward Wins the Day

It’s Hurricanes vs Cyclones in this battle of the storm systems. Both teams may enter this game with a lack of motivation after narrowly missing out on the CFP. As of writing, Cam Ward does not intend to opt out of this game. If he plays, he will be a key advantage. Both teams have talented rosters, but Wards’ top-3 NFL Draft pick-level talent is not something the Cyclones can keep up with on defense.

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• College Bowl Games