Miami defenders Simeon Barrow, Marquise Lightfoot involved in altercation during Pop Tarts Bowl
Of the non-College Football Playoff games, there might not be more on the line than Saturday’s Pop Tarts Bowl. Miami and Iowa State are facing off is a ranked matchup and at least on the Hurricanes sideline, emotions are high. Maybe a little too high as two players got into an altercation.
Coming back from a commercial break, Simeon Barrow and Marquise Lightfoot were verbally going at each other before things got physical. A push from Barrow turned into a couple punches thrown by Lightfoot. Both helmets were on during the moment and thankfully, nothing landed.
Teammates and members of the Miami staff were quickly there to separate the two defenders. They went in different directions but based on body language alone, you could tell neither we satisfied with what was transpiring.
You can check out the full moment here.
It’s easy to understand some defensive frustrations for Miami early on. Iowa State’s offense has had an immense amount of success, scoring 21 points in the first quarter on three drives. Nothing the Hurricanes have done to stop the Cyclones has been effective.
There is an age difference between the two.
Beginning with the older player, Barrow is fifth-year player and in his first season with the program. His time in college football began with Michigan State but since moving to Coral Gables, an incredible impact has been made. Barrow was named a first-team All-ACC member for his performances.
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Head coach Mario Cristobal has done some great work in the NCAA transfer portal and snagging Barrow is certainly near the top of the accomplishments.
On the other side, Lightfoot is a true freshman and just getting his feet wet at this level.
Lightfoot played high school football at Chicago (IL) Kenwood Academy, where he was a five-star prospect. He was the No. 25 overall recruit in the 2024 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.
There is a lot of excitement around Lightfoot and what he could produce for the program moving forward.
But at some point, a defensive stop or two is going to be required for Miami to walk away winners. Getting composure back on the sideline should be the goal before taking the field once again.