Miami player Cam Ward opts out of bowl game in second half after setting record touchdown, sparking social media debate
Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward, a potential No. 1 pick in the upcoming NFL draft, set an NCAA Division I touchdown pass record in Saturday’s bowl game before sitting out the second half.
Ward and the Hurricanes faced off against the Iowa State Cyclones in the Fruit Pie Bowl. Ward scored on a touchdown pass to Jacoby George in the first quarter. This brings his career touchdown passes to 156. Emory Williams started the second half and Miami lost 42-21.
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Miami quarterback Cam Ward (1) throws a pass during the first half of the Pop Tarts Bowl NCAA college football game against Iowa State on Saturday, December 28, 2024 in Orlando, Florida . (AP Photo/John Rau)
After the game, Miami head coach Mario Cristobal was asked about the decision.
“All meetings with players and decisions like that are made privately and we keep them confidential,” Cristobal said via ESPN. “So, I’d rather not answer any questions about that. But I know he Played his best while there.”
Ward’s decision also attracted attention on social media.
The quarterback broke Case Keenum’s record. Keenum set Division I (FBS and FCS) records from 2007 to 2011.
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December 28, 2024; Orlando, FL: Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward (1) stands on the sidelines during the first half against the Iowa State Cyclones at Camping World Stadium. (Jason Wenlove – Image)
“It’s such a blessing, man,” he told WQAM radio. “I think I’ve grown a lot as a person this year outside of football. This is the best team I’ve ever played on… I’m blessed to be here.”
Oregon State quarterback Dillon Gabriel is also on the verge of passing Keenum. He threw 153 touchdown passes in six seasons. He may come close to breaking that record in the College Football Playoff.
Ward could be one of the first several talented quarterbacks taken off the board when the spring draft begins. Shedeur Sanders, Quinn Ewers and Carson Beck are among the top candidates.
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December 28, 2024; Orlando, FL: Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward (1) gestures during the second half against the Iowa State Cyclones at Camping World Stadium. (Jason Wenlove – Image)
“I think Cam’s DNA, his upbringing, everything he’s made of and represents are the right things; you want your team to be made up of those things,” Cristobal said. “He has had a tremendous impact on our community, our team, our program and our alumni.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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