Cam Ward caused controversy by not playing the second half of the Poptarts Bowl.
Ward played the first half and broke the Division I career passing touchdown record (156), surpassing Case Keenum, before entering the second half.
There was a lot of discussion.
Many felt that Ward risked playing in a meaningless bowl game as a potential No. 1 overall pick. On the other hand, some felt that Ward was selfishly participating just for the record. The Hurricanes lost 32-31.
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Miami quarterback Cam Ward (1) throws a pass during the first half of the Poptarts Bowl NCAA college football game against Iowa State on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024 in Orlando, Florida. (AP Photo/John Rau)
The future first-round pick received plenty of praise and criticism, but now former head coach Mario Cristobal came to his defense this week.
“I don't feel the need to go into a race to bust a false narrative or a bunch of bulls. People like to start because that's what they do, whatever their job is,” he said Monday. told. “That's the way it is. It's always been that way. Cam was extraordinarily elite for the Miami Hurricanes. As a competitor, as a player, as a teammate. He raised the profile and raised the profile of the University of Miami.”
Miami head coach Mario Cristobal and quarterback Cam Ward celebrate a 52-45 victory over Louisville on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium in Louisville, Kentucky 1). (Al Diaz/Miami Herald/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
Former Florida QB Jesse Palmer talks College Football Playoff, French Onion Beer and Shedule Sanders, CAM WARD
“He's going to leave a legacy that's going to impact generations to come. I mean, he's the best player I've ever met. I think he's going to lead an NFL franchise to a championship.” I look forward to watching him lead and watching him play on Sunday.”
“He's a big reason why we won 10 games and really had a chance to win every game,” Cristobal added. “He set the tone for what the standard is. Yes, expectations are moving forward, as hard as it may sound.”
Miami controlled its own destiny in the College Football Playoff heading into the final week of the regular season, but the Canes lost to Syracuse and were eliminated from the ACC title game, costing them a chance to make the playoffs. Perhaps if Ward had been able to play more in December, this conversation would have disappeared on both sides.
Miami quarterback Cam Ward (1) stands back to make a pass during the second half of the NCAA college football game vs. Wake Forest on Saturday, November 23, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (AP Photo/Lynn Sladke)
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Ward Sanders and Shedule Sanders have both been talked about as the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft, owned by the Tennessee Titans.
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