ORLANDO — Miami’s postseason game ended the same way its regular season did — with an excellent offensive effort overshadowed by poor defense.
The No. 13 Hurricanes, with Heisman Trophy finalist Cam Ward leading the way one last time, scored 41 points. But the defense, missing multiple key players and lacking depth at key positions, surrendered 42 to No. 18 Iowa State as Miami lost the Pop-Tarts Bowl at Camping World Stadium in Orlando. It is UM’s sixth straight bowl loss.
“(I) feel for guys like this, Jalen Rivers, guys who really exhausted every ounce that they’ve had for the University of Miami,” Hurricanes coach Mario Cristobal said. “They’ve done a great job this year in finding a way to win 10 games. We fell short in three (games) in very close games. Disappointed that we couldn’t pull out a victory for them and the rest of the guys in their final game and the final game of the season, as well, for the rest of our players.”…