After a poor performance 29-6 Washington State loss to Fresno State in the 2022 L.A. Bowl, Cam Ward hopes to add to his Miami legacy versus Iowa State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl on Saturday. Miami enters the game versus Iowa State with the best offense nationally in points and total yards.
Ward completed 22 passes in 32 attempts for 138 yards, no touchdowns and one interception in the L.A. Bowl. Washington State could not help Ward offensively as they finished with 45 rushing yards on 28 carries with their lone touchdown on the ground. Ward also gave Fresno State a safety when he stepped on the end zone backline.
Ward has seldom made mistakes like the safety in the L.A. Bowl this season. Fresno State quarterback Jake Haener outperformed Ward by completing 24 passes in 36 attempts for 280 yards, two TDs and one interception. The Bulldogs had a balanced offense and outgained Washington State 501 yards to 183.
Ward has carried Miami all season. The only games Ward threw for less than 300 yards were in decisive wins over Florida State and Wake Forest. Miami head coach Mario Cristobal spoke about the decision by Ward and other Hurricanes to play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl on Friday with reporters.
Canes coach Mario Cristobal speaking this morning on why Cam Ward wants to play in the Pop Tarts Bowl despite likely being a top pick in the NFL draft:
— Will Manso (@WillManso) December 27, 2024
“Cam’s DNA, his upbringing, everything he’s made of and stands for is the right kind of stuff.”
(🎥 @PopTartsBowl) pic.twitter.com/5hifXTgrPF
"Nowadays in college football, we are compensated at all levels, right? Coaches, players, administrators...to do a job. You must finish the job...I think Cam's DNA, his upbringing, everything he’s made of and stands for is the right kind of stuff.Mario Cristobal on Cam Ward
He's had a tremendous amount of impact on our community, our team, our program...alumni. He understands the importance of finishing. He understands the caliber of opponent we're playing and the importance of playing at a really high level to give ourselves the opportunity in this game."
Ward and his teammates who are out of eligibility are helping Cristobal build the culture for the Miami football program in the future. Ward has shown he is more about NIL. He has a chance to build his own legacy and Miami's with another elite performance versus Iowa State.
Ward has already set the Miami single-season records with 4,123 passing yards and 36 TD passes, 41 TDs responsible for and with 4,326 total yards in 2024. One milestone to watch is that Ward needs four TD passes to become the first Miami QB ever with 40 in a single season.
The legacy for Ward will last beyond the 2024 season and the Pop-Tarts Bowl. Ward is projected to be the first Miami QB selected in the first round of the common draft since the Tampa Bay Buccaneers took Vinny Testaverde first overall in 1986. How Ward performs in the NFL will enhance his legacy and help Miami recruit QBs.