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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Michelle R. Martinelli

The 11 best moments from the Pop-Tarts Bowl that had nothing to do with the game

Some college football bowl games massively disappoint. Some exceed your wildest expectations. And Thursday’s Pop-Tarts Bowl at Camping World Stadium in Orlando was definitely the latter.

Yes, Kansas State topped NC State, 28-19, and that’s great for the Wildcats.

But let’s face it: The real winners of the Pop-Tarts Bowl were fans who watched the game and got treated to an abundance of Pop-Tarts-themed fun and mayhem. And the sponsorship and product placement worked because if you watched any part of this game, chances are you ended up craving Pop-Tarts at some point.

RELATED: The Pop-Tarts Bowl mascot menacingly creeping behind a referee became an instant meme

While the matchup itself was exciting, the scene around the Pop-Tarts Bowl was exceptional and seemingly shot this game up to one of the favorite bowls among college football fans (RIP Cheez-It Bowl).

So here are our favorite moments from the bowl that had absolutely nothing to do with the game.

Feature image courtesy of ESPN.

1
The pregame toaster and Pop-Tarts mascot's entrance

This was incredible. The Pop-Tarts mascot popped out of a giant toaster on the field for an incredible, peak college football bowl season moment.

2
Learning the history of Pop-Tarts

Did YOU know Pop-Tarts were originally introduced in 1964 and were named Fruit Scone? We’re glad the name was ultimately changed.

3
The media Pop-Tart spread

A+ press box treats.

4
This hilarious call on the broadcast

“Here’s the sad part of the story: After the game he will be devoured, he will die and he will be his own last meal.”

Technically, this isn’t actually the edible Pop-Tarts mascot, but the joke is perfect.

5
The Pop-Tarts mascot attempting to catch an errant field goal

OK, so this one kind of has to do with the game considering NC State missed this third-quarter 52-yard field goal. But it still counts.

6
All types of mascots dancing!

7
Multiple Pop-Tarts mascots!

8
Kansas State coach Chris Klieman getting a Pop-Tarts bath

We wanted a Pop-Tarts bath, and we got it!

9
Kansas State eating the edible Pop-Tarts mascot

The non-edible Pop-Tarts Bowl mascot went back into the toaster, and out came the edible one!

RIP.

10
This extraordinary Pop-Tarts Bowl trophy

Kansas State offensive lineman Cooper Beebe, left, and offensive lineman KT Leveston hold up the championship trophy after winning the Pop-Tarts Bowl NCAA college football game against North Carolina State, Thursday, Dec. 28, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Seriously, this is one of the best bowl trophies ever.

11
And, of course, fans debating the best flavor

So many to choose from, but a lot of folks think there’s a correct answer.

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