The 2024 Pop-Tarts Bowl presented an extraordinary spectacle, both on the playing field and beyond. While No. 18 Iowa State narrowly triumphed over No. 13 Miami in an exhilarating 42-41 showdown, the actual football game was hardly the highlight. Rather, all attention was directed toward the whimsically bizarre shenanigans that have come to characterize this unique event.

Last year, the Pop-Tarts Bowl made headlines by “sacrificing” its strawberry mascot as a toasted trophy for the winning team. In 2024, the organizers escalated the absurdity to unprecedented levels. This year’s celebrations featured a *competition* among Pop-Tart mascots to discern which one would face its “fate,” the revival of last year’s pastry, dramatic unwrapping ceremonies, and a delightful chaos that only this bowl game could provide.

Where else but the Pop-Tarts Bowl could you observe a humanoid Pop-Tart being ceremonially lowered to its “demise” beneath a banner proclaiming “Follow Your Dreams”? The internet, not surprisingly, erupted with excitement over the spectacle, as fans and commentators embraced the absurdity.

One viral BlueSky post from Anne T. Donahue vividly captured the surreal essence of the event, comparing the sacrificial Pop-Tart to a “Mad Men” pitch meeting that had derailed. In her own words:

> *”Don Draper: The Pop-Tart, he’s selfless. The sacrificial lamb; a testament to his commitment to his truth — a greater good.
Pop-Tarts rep: I … I still don’t get it.
Don Draper: Gentlemen (takes a long drag off his cigarette) he’s Jesus Christ.”*

The entire occasion resembled a fever dream, filled with mascots, pageantry, and a generous sprinkle of absurd humor. It’s fair to say that the Pop-Tarts Bowl has cemented its status as one of the most wonderfully chaotic traditions in college football.

As for the following year? If 2024 serves as any indication, the 2025 Pop-Tarts Bowl is sure to be even more outrageous. And honestly, we can hardly contain our excitement.