Miami’s Cam Ward exits bowl game in 2nd half after record TD, sparks debate on social media
Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward, a potential top pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, set the NCAA Division I record for touchdown passes during Saturday’s bowl game appearance and sat out the second half.
Ward and the Hurricanes played the Iowa State Cyclones in the Pop-Tarts Bowl. Ward set the mark with a touchdown pass in the first quarter to Jacolby George. It brought him to 156 career touchdown passes. Emory Williams started the second half, and Miami went on to lose the game, 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, Dec. 28, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Miami coach Mario Cristobal was asked about the decision after the game.
“All the meetings with the players, and decisions like that, we made privately, we keep them private,” said Cristobal, via ESPN. “So, I’d rather not answer any questions as it relates to that. But I know he played very well while he was there.”
Ward’s decision drew attention on social media.
The quarterback broke Case Keenum’s record. Keenum set the Division I record – FBS and FCS – from 2007 to 2011. He had 155 touchdown passes with the Houston Cougars.
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December 28, 2024; Orlando, Fla.: Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward (1) stands on the sideline during the first half against the Iowa State Cyclones at Camping World Stadium. (Photos by Jasen Vinlove-Imagn)
“You’re just blessed, 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 been on … I’m just blessed to be here.”
Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel is on pace to surpass Keenum’s mark. He has 153 touchdown passes in six seasons. He may be close to breaking the mark in the College Football Playoff.
Ward could be the first of several talents taken off the board this spring when the draft begins. Shedeur Sanders, Quinn Ewers and Carson Beck are among the top prospects.
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December 28, 2024; Orlando, Fla.: Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward (1) in action during the second half against the Iowa State Cyclones at Camping World Stadium. (Photos by Jasen Vinlove-Imagn)
“I think Cam’s DNA, the way he was raised, everything he’s done and stands for is the right kind of stuff; the stuff you want your team to be made of,” Cristobal said. “He’s had a huge impact on our community, our team, our program, and our students.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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