The ACC is having a pathetic college football bowl season. The conference is 1-9 in postseason games this December.
On Saturday, one ACC program that wanted to argue its case to play in the CFP blew a 10-point lead to a Big 12 program.
College Football: The Pop-Tarts Bowl was decided by one point
No. 13 Miami matched up against No. 18 Iowa State in front of a crowd of 38,650 in the Pop-Tarts Bowl at Camping World Stadium in Orlando. The Cyclones had a chance to make the CFP in the Big 12 championship, but they were blown out 45-19 by Arizona State. Miami missed out on making the ACC championship when they fell apart in the second half of their contest against Syracuse on Nov. 30.
Miami took a 31-28 lead into halftime, but like in their matchup against Syracuse, the Hurricanes couldn’t find a way to finish in the second half. (Star Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward went 12-of-19 passing for 190 yards and three touchdowns in the first half, but would sit out in the second half.)
Miami football blew a 10-point second-half lead
Miami would extend their lead to 38-28 with 8:09 remaining in the third quarter, but Iowa State would outscore the Hurricanes 14-3 the rest of the way to earn a 42-41 win. ISU scored the game-winning touchdown via a one-yard run by quarterback Rocco Becht on fourth down.
Miami outgained Iowa State 524-415 in total yards. Their run game was incredible, with Damien Martinez becoming the games leading rusher with 179 yards and one touchdown on 14 carries.
But they lost the turnover battle. Miami gave the ball away three times. The Cyclones didn’t commit a turnover.
Becht had an impressive day for Iowa State, going 22-of-36 passing for 270 yards and three touchdowns.
Per ESPN BET, Miami entered the Pop-Tarts Bowl as a 5.5-point favorite to beat ISU.
With the win, the Cyclones improved to 11-3 on the season. Miami finished with a 10-3 record on a once-promising season for the ACC program.
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