Cam Ward compares Florida fans to Pac-12 experience

Miami quarterback Cam Ward called out the Florida fan base as being loud after the Hurricanes play was called and they broke the huddle. Ward stated Oregon and USC were louder when he played for Washington State and that Washington was one the loudest environments he played in.

The experience Ward and several other transfers Miami brought to Gainesville on Saturday played a role in the Hurricanes' win. Miami running back Damien Martinez transferred from Oregon State and defensive back Mishael Powell was previously at Washington before deciding to play for the Hurricanes.

Seven other Miami transfers had experience in power conferences. Francisco Mauigoa played with Ward at Washington State before transferring to Miami in 2023. Multiple players who returned to Miami for the 2024 season played at Florida State in 2023. The veteran roster for Miami was not intimidated by Florida.

Miami silenced the Florida crowd by being adept on third down and creating big plays. The Hurricanes were five for 10 on third down. Miami had 11 pass plays of 15 or more yards and four runs of 10 or more. Defensively Miami forced five Florida punts, had two interceptions and once stopped Florida on downs.

"“Advice to the fans: If you’re going to be loud, you have to be loud when we’re huddling...You can’t just be loud once we break the huddle. By that time, it’s no point. We hear the play and we’ve communicated already...I played at USC. USC wasn’t packed, but it was louder than this...I played at Oregon and it was louder than this...Washington was one of the loudest environments I’ve played (in).”"

- Miami Quarterback Cam Ward

Florida finished one for nine on third down and converted one of their two fourth down attempts. Miami was able to answer any changes in momentum that Florida gained throughout the game. The Hurricanes answered all three Florida scored with points of their own.

Florida will likely be the most hostile crowd Miami plays this season. Miami has remaining road games at South Florida, California, Louisville, Georgia Tech and Syracuse this season. The Hurricanes proved their experience and toughness by not being intimidated by the crowd on Saturday in Gainesville/.