Cam Ward sparked controversy when he didn’t play the second half of the Pop-Tarts Bowl.
Ward played the first half and sat the second after taking the Division I record for most passing touchdowns in a career (156), surpassing Case Keenum.
There were plenty of arguments.
Many felt Ward was taking a risk by playing in a meaningless bowl game as the potential No. 1 overall pick. On the other hand, others felt that Ward was just being selfish about it for good measure. The Hurricanes lost 32-31.
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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, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, in Orlando, Florida. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
The future first-round pick received plenty of praise and criticism, but his now-former head coach, Mario Cristobal, came to his defense this week.
“I don’t feel the need to race to crush false narratives and a bunch of bullshit – which people like to start with because that’s their way of doing whatever their job is,” he said Monday. That’s where it’s always been. Cam has been an exceptional, an elite, Miami Hurricane. As a competitor, as a player, as a teammate. He has raised the profile and prominence of the University of Miami.
Miami head coach Mario Cristobal and quarterback Cam Ward (1) celebrate a 52-45 win against Louisville at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium in Louisville, Kentucky, on Saturday, October 19, 2024. (Al Diaz/Miami Herald/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
“He leaves a legacy that will have an impact for generations to come. I mean, he’s the best I’ve ever had, and I look forward to seeing him lead an NFL franchise to championships and watching him on Sunday watch it play.”
“He’s a big reason why he won 10 games and had the opportunity to really win every game,” Cristobal added. “He set the tone for what the standard is, right, the expectation is moving forward – as difficult as that may be and sound.”
Miami controlled its own destiny in the College Football Playoff heading into the final week of the regular season, but the Canes fell to Syracuse to knock themselves out of the ACC title game and lose their chance at making the Playoff. Perhaps if Ward had more to play for in December, the conversation would have died down on both sides.
Miami quarterback Cam Ward (1) takes a step back during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Wake Forest, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Florida. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
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Ward and Shedeur Sanders are both in discussions for the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft, which is owned by the Tennessee Titans.
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