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.
— nick (@nick_pants) December 28, 2023
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.
THE POP-TARTS BOWL 😤 pic.twitter.com/1INhxJsVyt
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) December 28, 2023
2
Learning the history of Pop-Tarts
— no context college football (@nocontextcfb) December 28, 2023
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
🚨🚨🚨PRESS BOX POP-TARTS 🚨🚨🚨 pic.twitter.com/w6e3LVQi6n
— Rodger Sherman (@rodger) December 28, 2023
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.”
"After the game he will be devoured, he will die, and he will be his own last meal" @PopTartsBowl pic.twitter.com/sMLBUM3jxW
— Gifdsports (@gifdsports) December 29, 2023
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.
— no context college football (@nocontextcfb) December 29, 2023
6
All types of mascots dancing!
— no context college football (@nocontextcfb) December 29, 2023
7
Multiple Pop-Tarts mascots!
— no context college football (@nocontextcfb) December 28, 2023
8
Kansas State coach Chris Klieman getting a Pop-Tarts bath
We wanted a Pop-Tarts bath, and we got it!
POP-TARTS BATH 🔥 pic.twitter.com/9PTUb3vDZS
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) December 29, 2023
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!
Here we are… the edible mascot in the Pop-Tarts Bowl.. pic.twitter.com/0XgKGoXseS
— PJ Green (@PJGreenTV) December 29, 2023
Best sport In the universe. 😍 pic.twitter.com/C7db6idjym
— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) December 29, 2023
RIP.
Requiem æternam dona eis, Domine pic.twitter.com/CrrMrzfB95
— Sickos Committee (@SickosCommittee) December 29, 2023
10
This extraordinary Pop-Tarts Bowl trophy
Seriously, this is one of the best bowl trophies ever.
In all its glory!
(Yes, those Pop-Tarts are real!) pic.twitter.com/QXK5aIfR1h
— Pop-Tarts Bowl (@PopTartsBowl) December 26, 2023
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.
— no context college football (@nocontextcfb) December 29, 2023
Frosted Cherry
Not toasted.
Ideally purchased at a gas station in a single pack on a whim. #RespectMyDecision
— Scott Van Pelt (@notthefakeSVP) December 29, 2023
Top 5 pop tart flavors:
1. S’mores
2. Frosted strawberry
3. The flesh and blood of the edible pop tarts mascot
4. Hot fudge sundae
5. Frosted blueberry pic.twitter.com/22TuIMOoT0— Jared Phillips (@JaredL_Phillips) December 29, 2023
Since its Pop-Tarts Bowl time, I’m here to say that Brown Sugar Cinnamon is the BEST flavor hands-down.
Tell me I’m wrong. pic.twitter.com/z94lLdJ9F1
— 𝘾𝙝𝙧𝙞𝙨 𝙂𝙧𝙤𝙨𝙨𝙚 (@Chris_Grosse) December 28, 2023
What’s the best Pop Tart flavor?
And why is it frosted strawberrypic.twitter.com/BC3cglrCaT
— Hard Rock Bet (@HardRockBet) December 29, 2023