Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward finds himself at the center of a whirlwind of both acclaim and criticism following his record-setting performance and strategic decisions during the Pop-Tarts Bowl. Despite setting the NCAA Division I record for career touchdown passes before halftime and leading Miami to a 31-28 halftime lead, Ward faced backlash for not participating in the second half. He has resolutely defended his actions against accusations of quitting on the team, asserting that the decision was mutually agreed upon with the coaching staff.
Ward's remarkable college career concluded with an impressive 158 touchdown passes and 18,189 passing yards, the third most in NCAA history. His performance at the Davey O'Brien Award ceremony, which followed his acceptance of the Manning Award three weeks prior, further solidified his status as one of college football's elite quarterbacks. During his sole season with Miami, Ward set single-season school records for yards, completions, touchdown passes, and completion rate, boasting a completion rate of 67.2%—a record both for the season and his career.
The decision not to play in the second half of the Pop-Tarts Bowl triggered a storm of online criticism, suggesting that Ward had quit on the Hurricanes. However, both Ward and Miami coach Mario Cristobal have defended this choice, emphasizing that it was a premeditated strategy. Cristobal's support underscores his confidence in Ward's commitment and professionalism. As Ward himself stated, "If I could do it again, I'd do it the same way," reinforcing his belief in the decision-making process that led to his early exit from the game.
Ward's future continues to be a subject of intense speculation as he considers his options ahead of the NFL combine next week. Although he has not finalized his decision on whether to throw at the combine, he remains focused on showcasing his skills at Miami's pro day. Ward's confidence in his abilities is evident in his assertion: "OK, you're either going to draft me or you're not." He remains undeterred by any teams that might pass on him, stating, "If you don't draft me, that's your fault. You've got to remember you're the same team that's got to play me for the rest of my career, and I'll remember that."
Critics who question Ward's commitment overlook the strategic foresight behind his decisions. Ward explained, "I just think we all got what we needed out of it. They seen things that they think they need to work on… for this season coming up. And they also knew, you know, what I had on the line." His words reflect a broader understanding of team dynamics and individual career management.
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