AMES — No. 18 Iowa State will look to end its historic season on a high note, as the Cyclones travel to Orlando, Florida, to face No. 13 Miami (FL) in the Pop-Tarts Bowl Saturday.

When the Cyclones hit the field, it will have been three weeks since they played in a game, after dropping the Big 12 Championship game to now-No. 12 Arizona State back on Dec. 7.

But now, Iowa State has a chance to end its season with yet another record-breaking win, as the Cyclones have never had an 11-win season in their 133-year history.

For offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser, who’s been with the program ever since head coach Matt Campbell joined Iowa State, he is hoping to end the season with that 11th win that not only can be beneficial for this current team but for the future team as well.

“It would mean a lot,” Mouser said. “It’s something that hasn’t happened here before. To be able to go into the offseason after winning a football game, it provides great momentum and it puts a good taste into everyone’s mouth.”

But that 11th win will not come easily, considering the Cyclones will take on a Hurricanes team that just fell short of their expectations of making the College Football Playoff and is also looking to finish off their season with their 11th win as well.

Miami’s strength this season has come from the high-flying offense it boasts. The Hurricanes not only lead the ACC, but also the country in total offense (538.8) and scoring offense (44.2), while being second in passing offense (359.3).

“[Miami is] the number one offense in the country probably for a reason,” Campbell said. “I mean, they’re greatly talented.”

A large part of this offensive success has come from Heisman finalist quarterback Cam Ward. In his only season with Miami, Ward has dominated opposing defenses with his playmaking abilities and strong arm that has led him to be one of the top quarterbacks in college football.

On the season, Ward is only one of two quarterbacks to throw for over 4,000 yards this season (4,123) and has done it on a 67.4% completion rating. Ward’s passing abilities have resulted in 36 passing touchdowns to only seven interceptions. 

“[Ward is] a young professional,” Iowa State defensive coordinator Jon Heacock said. “Very gifted and talented. There’s not a throw on the field that he can’t make.” 

While the Hurricanes’ offense is highlighted by Ward’s abilities, they have some other playmakers that have helped this Miami offense become the best in the country.

Running backs Damien Martinez and Mark Fletcher Jr. have led the Hurricanes’ rushing attack, with each back having at least 100 carries, 500 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. Martinez is the leading back with 823 yards on 145 carries.

In the receiving game, wide receiver Xavier Restrepo highlights the group with 1,127 yards on 69 receptions for 11 touchdowns. However, Restrepo is not the only receiver who can make plays for the Miami offense, as the Hurricanes have five total receivers with at least 500 receiving yards, 30 receptions and five touchdowns.

However, one of those five receivers will not be available for Ward and the Miami offense, as third-leading wide receiver Isaiah Horton entered the transfer portal and committed to Alabama. He was second in receptions (56) and third in reception yards (616) and receiving touchdowns (five).

Needless to say, it will be one of, if not the toughest challenge the Iowa State defense will have to face this season.

“You’re finishing against the number one offense in the country,” Heacock said. “It’s a great challenge and I think the biggest thing for us is to understand the amount of preparation it’s gonna take to play well in this game.”

But for senior defensive back Beau Freyler, who is preparing to play in his final game as a Cyclone, he is excited for the challenges that the Hurricanes offense can present. 

“It’s evident in their production,” Freyler said. “It’s a great challenge that I’m looking forward to, and I know this defense is, so we’ll have to step up to the plate and play some really good football for this team.”

On the other side of the ball, the Miami defense has not been on par with the high-flying offense.  It is the reason the Hurricanes are in the position they are, with two losses and not being a part of the College Football Playoff.

But it doesn’t mean that they aren’t capable of making plays happen. Miami still leads the ACC in total defense (319.8), and is third in both rushing (110.1) and passing offense (209.8).

It will be something that the Cyclone offense will have to take advantage of if they want to keep up with the amount of points that the Hurricanes offense can put up on Iowa State’s defense.

But in particular, this bowl game would send off the senior class with a win, especially with what happened last season in the Liberty Bowl loss to Memphis.

It’s something that senior wide receiver Jaylin Noel partook in last season, and is hoping to be involved with the other seniors in finishing off their collegiate careers with a win.

“Last year when you lose that bowl game, you don’t get a chance the next week to redeem yourself,” Noel said. “We know what it feels like to go a whole year and have that feeling of losing the last game, so going in with a determined mindset to win helps.”

Although the challenges of facing Miami seem daunting, it helps for players such as quarterback Rocco Becht and defensive back Jontez Williams to be heading back to their home state of Florida to play in front of family and friends. Not to mention the warmer temperatures.

“I will have a lot of family and friends there, especially friends from high school who haven’t been able to see me play in college yet so it’ll be cool,” Becht said. “I’m stoked to have good weather and especially in my home state, it’s gonna be fun to play in.”

“I’m excited to get back home and play back home for the first time since high school,” Williams said. “It’ll be fun to play on the Florida turf and feel that breeze again.”

The battle for the edible mascot and toaster trophy between the Cyclones and Hurricanes kicks off at 2:30 p.m. Saturday from Camping World Stadium in Orlando. The game will be nationally televised on ABC.