Cam Ward certainly has the speed. And he definitely has the necessary vision and IQ. The way Miami's offense operates, Ward often doesn't take off with his legs. Through six games, counting sacks, he has just 28 carries for 161 yards and three rushing touchdowns. That's not exactly what you'd expect for a quarterback with his running ability.
That could change in this weekend's matchup with Louisville, though. If there's ever a time for Shannon Dawson to scheme up some read options, design QB runs, or even encourage Ward to take off with his legs more on broken pass plays, it would have to come against the Cardinals.
Louisville's defense has been good this year, averaging just under 20 points per game allowed, but their biggest weakness has been stopping the run against mobile QBs. The QB has been the opposing team's leading rusher in five of Louisville's six games this year.
That trend started against Jacksonville State when QB Tyler Huff ran the ball 18 times for 101 yards and a TD. Haynes King of Georgia Tech ran 14 times for 58 yards and a TD, while Riley Leonard of Notre Dame ran 13 times for 52 yards and a TD against Louisville.
Louisville is actually really good at bottling up the run except for when it's the quarterback. It's befuddling.
— Matt McGavic (@Matt_McGavic) October 12, 2024
SMU's Kevin Jennings ran 10 times for 113 yards and a TD, and in Louisville's last game, Virginia's Anthony Colandrea ran 15 times for 84 yards. Louisville allowed 70 carries for 408 yards and four TDs over their last five games to QBs. That's 5.8 yards per carry, over 80 yards per game, and nearly a TD per game.
The Hurricanes should continue to focus on their passing game, which has been their primary mode of attack all season and has contributed to their 6-0 record. However, if the offensive staff ever decides to change things up and give Cam Ward more opportunities to use his running ability, this weekend's game would be the perfect time to do so.
Ward has exhibited remarkable skill in utilizing his legs when a passing play falters. Ward exhibited this during a 24-yard touchdown run two weeks ago against California. He generally retains possession of the ball until he is confident that a throw is not feasible, resorting to his legs as a final option.
This week, though, Ward should consider using his legs as soon as he sees a lane to run and as soon as he knows none of his receivers are open. If he does that, perhaps he could run for 100 yards. That could be the reason Miami triumphs over Louisville in a hostile environment.
Whether this Ward running more works or not, it's something to look out for early on as Miami will surely look to get off to a fast start after not being able to do so in their most recent games.