The Pop-Tarts Bowl raised the temperature on one of college football's most unorthodox attractions.
College football fans quickly loved last year's new bowl game. Kansas State celebrated a 28-19 victory over NC State by eating what was considered the first-ever edible mascot. (No human was inside the oversized pastry and devoured as part of the spectacle.) This year, Miami will face Iowa State in the second Pop-Tarts Bowl on Dec. 28
On Sunday, the Pop-Tarts Bowl revealed a new twist to this contest. They unveiled a new trophy with a built-in, fully functioning toaster.
If edible mascots aren't toasted enough to a player's liking, he can place a normal-sized treat inside the trophy's football-shaped toaster.
Pop-Tarts Bowl GE Appliances = the NEW Pop-Tarts Bowl trophy with a built-in WORKING (!!!) toaster #PopTartsBowl pic.twitter.com/hl1f3dU5Qg
— Pop-Tarts Bowl (@PopTartsBowl) December 15, 2024
The game has also revealed three frosted mascots for the big game: wild berry, hot fudge sundae, and cinnamon roll. However, it remains a mystery which one will be offered to the winners as an edible sacrifice.
Cam Ward appears to have a preference. Miami's quarterback said on a recent SportsCenter appearance that sundae in his favorite Pop-Tarts flavor.
More importantly, the Heisman finalist plans on playing the matchup. Ward is a potential No. 1 pick in next year's draft after tallying 4,123 passing yards and 36 touchdowns in his senior year for a Hurricanes offense that averaged 45.8 points per game.
"The whole team's still here right now, so we're just trying to prepare for them, relax our body a little bit, and try to go win our last football game of the year," Ward said.
Eating a sugary mascot would be a sweet way to end his college career. It'd also be a consolation prize for a team with ACC title and College Football Playoff aspirations before losing two of its final three games.
The 10-2 Hurricanes will face the 10-3 Cyclones, who missed their chance at an improbable CFP bid when losing the Big 12 Championship Game to Arizona State.
Orlando's Camping World Stadium will host the Pop-Tarts Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 21, at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
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