Originally known as the Blockbuster Bowl in its inaugural season in 1990, the game formerly known as the Cheez-It Bowl has had 10 different name changes over the last 34 seasons.
Its brightest moment since the turn of the century came when its name was changed to the Pop-Tarts Bowl ahead of the 2023 season. With the name change also came a trophy redesign and, of course, the introduction of the best bowl mascot that college football has ever seen.
“Strawberry,” the first-ever life-sized edible Pop-Tart mascot, immediately became the most beloved icons in college football lore. However, his joy was short-lived.
At the end of the game, Strawberry was sacrificially lowered into a giant toaster and then eaten by the winning team, Kansas State.
Despite the death of the world’s greatest mascot, Strawberry’s memory lives on to this day, as he was remembered at Big 12 Media Days on Tuesday.
An obituary, made in loving memory of Strawberry, a note of remembrance became part of this bowl game’s wonderful legacy.
“Please join us in taking a moment to celebrate the life of edible mascot Frosted Strawberry,” it reads. “May they be remembered for their love of life, their delicious jammy filling and their dreams of being eaten coming true. Though they now rest in crumbs, their life’s work will continue this year.
“Watch the Pop-Tarts Bowl on Saturday, December 28, 2024 at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC.”
The Pop-Tarts Bowl will continue to host one of the best non-CFP teams from the Big 12 and ACC in this annual bowl game this season, making it one of the best games of the postseason and for more reasons than one.
