Cam Ward has turned Miami into big play offense
Through the first two games of the 2024 season, Cam Ward has turned Miami into a big-play offense. Ward is first nationally with 14 completions of 20 or more yards. Miami had 10 completions of 20 or more yards versus Florida and three versus Florida A&M. Seven different Miami receivers have receptions for 20 or more yards.
Ward finished 11th nationally in 2023 with 52 completions of 20 or more yards. With a significantly better offensive line and a deeper group of receivers with Miami, Ward is ahead of his pace for completions of 20 or more yards in 2024. Three Miami receivers rank in the top 33 nationally with receptions of 20 or more yards.
Xavier Restrepo is 11th nationally and tied for second in the ACC with four receptions of 20 or more yards. Tight end Elijah Arroyo and wide receiver Isaiah Horton are tied for 33rd nationally and 12th in the ACC with three receptions of 20 or more yards. Running back Mark Fletcher and WR Jacolby George also have receptions for over 20 yards.
As a team, Miami is second nationally with the 14 completions of 20 or more yards. Mississippi has 15 completions of 20 or more yards. Ward put constant pressure on the Florida and Florida A&M defenses. Ward is fifth nationally averaging 344.5 passing yards per game and eighth with 11.3 yards per attempt.
The depth Miami has in the passing game has shown with 15 different players with receptions. Restrepo leads Miami with 11 receptions for 216 yards and two touchdowns. Horton has eight receptions for 136 yards, despite not being a starter. Arroyo is having a huge redemptive season with five receptions for 136 yards.
Miami will be tested later in the season. Louisville is tied for first with Alabama as the only two teams to not have allowed a completion of 20 or more yards this season. Duke and South Florida (who Miami plays on September 21) are tied for 10th with only two completions allowed of 10 or more yards.
Next. Cam Ward and Miami offense keeps rolling with big win over FAMU. Cam Ward and Miami offense keeps rolling with big win over FAMU. dark
Ward is thriving in the Shannon Dawson offense. The way Ward is spreading the ball around, Miami should continue to thrive getting the ball downfield. Restrepo and the Miami TEs open the middle of the field. Expect George and Houston transfer Sam Brown to start accumulating deep receptions.