The Iowa State vs. Miami Pop Tarts Bowl matchup will kick off at 3:30 p.m. ET from Camping World Stadium in Orlando, FL on Saturday. Will the Cyclones cover as a 3.5-point underdog or is there a better bet on the board today?
Game Matchup & Betting Odds
Iowa State Cyclones (+3.5) at Miami Hurricanes (-3.5); o/u 58.5
3:30 p.m. ET, Saturday, December 28, 2024
Camping World Stadium, Orlando, FL
TV: ABC
Iowa State vs. Miami Public Betting: Bettors Love ‘Canes
As of this writing, our CFB Public Betting page shows that 71% of bets are on Miami. That said, this page is updated frequently so make sure that you click on the link provided so that you’re getting the most updated information.
Becht throws for two scores in loss
Rocco Becht was 21-for-35 passing for 214 yards, two touchdowns and one interception during Saturday’s 45-19 defeat versus Arizona State. He also had five rushes for 23 yards. Iowa State was in this game in the first half, but Arizona State pulled away in the second half and Becht, along with the entire Cyclones’ offense, didn’t have an answer. The quarterback had a very solid regular season, and reportedly will return to Iowa State despite garnering interest from schools via the portal.
Arroyo to play for Miami in bowl
Elijah Arroyo (pro draft prep) will play against Iowa State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl, per Adam Lichtenstein of the South Florida Sun Sentinel. Arroyo announced his decision to play in the upcoming Pop-Tarts Bowl via a paid advertisement on X. The redshirt junior tight end enjoyed a breakout season for the Hurricanes in 2024, catching 31 passes for 526 yards and six touchdowns. He will forego his remaining eligibility and head to the NFL Draft following the bowl game.
Iowa State vs. Miami Betting Trends
Iowa State is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games
Iowa State is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
Miami-FL is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Miami-FL’s last 15 games
Iowa State vs. Miami Prediction
Take Miami. If Cam Ward does suit up for the Hurricanes, then this is a serious mismatch. The line would indicate that Ward is in fact playing, as opposed to preparing for the NFL Draft. My reasoning? Iowa State opened as a 1.5-point favorite before the line jumped the fence and moved four points in favor of Miami.
Becht had a decent year but his limitations show up in big games. He was turnover prone against Arizona State in the Big 12 Championship Game – a game in which the Cyclones lost, 45-19. In that defeat, Iowa State couldn’t stop ASU from running all over its defense, another aspect of this game that favors Miami.
The bottom line: This number is too low, again, assuming Ward plays.
Iowa State vs. Miami Prediction: Miami Hurricanes -3.5