Miami quarterback Cam Ward immediately made an impact for the Hurricanes as a leader for the entire program. The numbers Ward is producing in 2024 have been well publicized throughout the season. Ward has set or will set multiple Miami single-season records that should end in him being at least a Heisman Trophy finalist.
On ESPN College Gameday on Saturday analysts, former Heisman Trophy winner Cam Ward, Super Bowl (at Hard Rock Stadium) punter Pat McAfee, National Championship winning coach Nick Saban and former Ohio State quarterback Kirk Herbstreit discussed what makes Ward great.
Miami never believes its out of a game. Herbstreit and McAfee both mentioned the fourth-quarter comebacks Miami has had in 2024. McAfee incorrectly mentioned Louisville, although Miami needed to score 14 points in the fourth quarter to escape with a 52-45 win.
Howard lives in Miami and had the chance to visit the Hurricanes. The former Superbowl Most Valuable player went into the most detail about what makes Ward great. Saban discussed the makeup Ward has as a great player and competitor. Herbstreit is concerned with Miami defensively.
Heisman candidate Cam Ward arrives to Bobby Dodd Stadium. Watch Miami @ Georgia Tech on ESPN at 12PM EST. pic.twitter.com/xKTZBaRrdx
— New Era Prep (@EraPrep) November 9, 2024
Desmond Howard-"He's (Cam Ward) the difference. I went over to campus and visited the football field. I spoke to players, offense, defense, I even spoke to the team chaplain. To the man, they said three things about Cam. He plays with a very low post, meaning, he doesn't get too high and he never gets too low no matter the circumstances. Number two. From day one when he stepped foot on that campus in Coral Gables he was the leader. They love his leadership...the most important thing guys he's got that it factor. He's that guy. As long as number one is in uniform despite the circumstances they always believe that they have a chance."
Pat McAfee-"Throughout the season, Virginia Tech, Cal, Louisville, Duke, all fourth quarter comebacks. You're (Howard) saying you always have a chance you certainly do. Every week they're out of it, every week they bring it. This team is built to win and that stinks (does the Zombieland celebration) for everyone else."
Nick Saban-"When I see great players like Cam Ward...when you have that kind of competitor, when you look them in the eye you know they're going to win."
Kirk Herbstreit-"Miami and Cam Ward are legit. Their defense concerns me, They've had three games they had to come back from 10 more or more and they've done it. 124th in the nation as far as penalties. That's a concern. Can they keep flirting with that fine line between losing and winning a game and can Cam Ward bail continue bailing them out?... I know Miami is great but don't sleep on SMU if they get to the ACC Championship"
The confidence of the Miami football program has changed with Ward at QB. In the introduction to the segment with the analysts discussing the success Miami has had in their 9-0 start, host Rece Davis mentioned the Hurricanes' 3-0 record in one-score games. Miami was 2-4 in one-score games in 2023.
Miami always believes they can win as Howard said no matter what the circumstances are. As the games become more important in the next month plus, the leader Ward has given Miami has the Hurricanes on the precipice of their most special season since at least 2002.