The Miami Hurricanes football team faced off against the Iowa State Cyclones this past Saturday in the Pop-Tarts Bowl after both teams were close to making it into the playoffs before ultimately falling short.
The heated game was tough for both sides, and the close nature of the game increased tensions. The frustration seemingly got to the Hurricanes as two of their players were spotted getting into a physical altercation on Miami’s sideline.
Hurricanes Players Fight on Sideline During Iowa State Game
Tensions were high between the Hurricanes and the Cyclones as both teams struggled to outperform each other. Neither defense seemed to have an answer, and for the Hurricanes at least, frustrations seemed to show.
In fact, things took a strange turn when two Miami players were seen exchanging blows.
A fight breaks out on the Miami sideline during the #PopTartsBowl after the defense gives up 3 straight TDs.
Tensions are high as the scoring fear continues. 21-21 at the start of the 2nd Q. pic.twitter.com/xMb5XsMHTW
— Evan Rosen (@evanrosenfilm) December 28, 2024
Defensive linemen Simeon Barrow Jr. and Marquise Lightfoot were caught in a heated argument. Barrow soon threw a flurry of punches at Lightfoot, who responded by shoving the senior.
Their teammates rushed to separate the fight, but the damage had been done. Miami fans were left nervous and confused, lacking confidence in their team’s cohesiveness as the game progressed.
As though things couldn’t get worse, the Hurricanes’ star player, quarterback Cam Ward, decided not to participate in the second half of the game, leaving the team even more vulnerable. Though Miami was leading the game as they entered the second half, the Cyclones were able to make a comeback and close the game with a 42-41 razor-thin victory.
The loss leaves questions for Miami. It continued to show the Hurricanes’ defensive problems and, more importantly, underlying tensions within the team. Clearly, these problems will have to be solved before next season, and Miami will need to earn back the trust of the fan base.
Miami Fans React to Heated Fight
Fans took to X to pour out their thoughts on the mid-game altercation between Barrow and Lightfoot. The responses varied from humor to disappointment, highlighting the bizarre nature of the situation.
One fan shared a hilarious comment, suggesting that a Pop-Tart would solve the problem. “Probably low blood sugar, they just need a poptart.”
probably low blood sugar, they just need a poptart
— McCali (@miclcm73) December 28, 2024
Another fan suggested that the energy put into the fight would be better applied on the field. “Take that same energy out on the field!!!”
Take that same energy out on the field!!!
— Vincent Williams (@VincentWil95555) December 28, 2024
A fan took the opportunity to throw a jab at Miami’s defense.
“Miami Defense finally making some hits.”
Miami Defense finally making some hits 👏
— Gman (@LookAtGGman) December 28, 2024
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