Cyclones Rally for Historic 42-41 Win Behind MVP Rocco Becht. No. 18 Iowa State capped its best season in program history in dramatic fashion, rallying to defeat No. 15 Miami 42-41 in the Pop-Tarts Bowl at Camping World Stadium on Saturday. Cyclones quarterback Rocco Becht scored the game-winning touchdown on a one-yard sneak on fourth-and-goal with 56 seconds remaining, securing the program’s first-ever 11-win season in its 133-year history.
Becht, named the game’s MVP, threw for 270 yards and three touchdowns while adding the decisive rushing score. His performance not only earned Iowa State (11-2) the bowl victory but also capped a season defined by late-game heroics. It was the fourth time in 2024 that the Cyclones secured a win with a score in the final two minutes.
“This team never quits,” said Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell. “Rocco and the entire group showed incredible heart. To win a game like this and finish this season the way we did is special.”
The first half was a shootout, with both offenses trading punches in a relentless display of firepower. After Miami fumbled on the game’s first snap, the teams combined for eight consecutive touchdown drives. By halftime, the Hurricanes (10-3) led 31-28, fueled by quarterback Cam Ward’s stellar first-half performance, where he threw for 190 yards and three touchdowns.
Ward, playing his final college game, set the tone early, connecting with Elijah Arroyo, Jojo Trader, and Jacolby George for scores. Miami also leaned on a dominant ground game, as Damien Martinez rushed for a career-high 179 yards and Mark Fletcher Jr. added a touchdown.
Iowa State answered with balance and precision. Becht orchestrated touchdown drives of 22, 75, 65, and 75 yards in the first half, spreading the ball to a host of Cyclone playmakers. Running back Carson Hansen added two rushing scores to keep the Cyclones in striking distance.
The Hurricanes appeared poised to take control when Fletcher’s 1-yard plunge midway through the third quarter extended Miami’s lead to 38-28. However, the Hurricanes’ offense stalled late, managing only a field goal on their final three drives.
Iowa State seized the opportunity, mounting a 15-play, 84-yard drive in the game’s final minutes. Becht converted several critical third downs before sneaking into the end zone on fourth-and-goal, giving the Cyclones their first lead since the second quarter.
“It’s a moment I’ll never forget,” said Becht. “This team believed in each other, and we found a way.”
The loss marked Miami’s sixth consecutive bowl defeat and its third loss in the final four games of the season, all by a combined 10 points. Despite an offense that racked up 524 total yards and 41 points, the Hurricanes fell short of their first 11-win season since 2003.
“We didn’t execute when it mattered most,” said Miami head coach Mario Cristobal. “It’s a tough way to end a season that had so much promise.”
The Cyclones showed resilience, bouncing back from a 10-point second-half deficit to win. After a red-hot start, their offense cooled off until the game-winning drive, which epitomized their season-long grit.
The Hurricanes’ prolific offense, which set a program record for points in a season, once again couldn’t deliver in critical moments. Miami’s defense struggled, allowing 42 points on 421 yards.
Adding a unique twist to the festivities, Becht, as MVP, selected the flavor of Pop-Tart to be ceremonially toasted in a giant on-field toaster. The crowd roared as the Cyclones celebrated their historic win in style.
“This season was about rewriting Iowa State history,” Becht said. “I’m just proud to be a part of it.”
Iowa State enters 2025 with momentum, having achieved a milestone season under Matt Campbell. Meanwhile, Miami will look to regroup and address its postseason struggles as it aims to return to prominence in the ACC.
For now, the Pop-Tarts Bowl will be remembered as an instant classic—a thrilling clash that cemented Iowa State’s place among college football’s elite in 2024.
