Cam Ward led explosive Washington State passing offense
Quarterback Cameron Ward, who the Miami football team added as a transfer on Saturday night, led one of the most explosive passing offenses during his two seasons at Washington State. Ward was fourth nationally in 2023, averaging 311.1 passing yards per game.
Ward finished ninth nationally with 144 completions of 10 yards or more and 11th with 52 of 20 yards or more in 2023. Washington State was fourth nationally, averaging 336.8 yards per game. Miami finished 44th, averaging 258.8 passing yards per game. The Hurricanes were ranked much higher earlier in the season.
Miami was 35th nationally with 129 completions of 10 yards or more and 39th with 48 completions of 20 yards or more. Ward led a prolific passing offense behind a porous offensive line. Washington State finished 113th nationally, allowing 3.17 sacks per game. Miami was 17th, allowing 1.23 sacks per game.
Ward is far more mobile than Tyler Van Dyke and Emory Williams but less than Jacurri Brown. In two seasons at Washington State, Ward ran for 202 yards and 13 touchdowns. That includes 299 yards lost on sacks in 2023. Ward gives Miami a dimension as a runner they did not have at QB during the 2023 regular season.
The mobility Ward can provide at Miami playing behind a much better offensive line than he played at for Washington State could lead to big plays. Ward has been known for his scrambling ability. Xavier Restrepo and Jacolby George have shown the ability to get open and make big plays.
Restrepo was 27th nationally with 40 receptions of 10 yards or more and eighth with 20 catches of 20 yards or more in 2023. George was 42nd nationally with 35 receptions of 10 yards or more, 76th with 12 catches of 20 yards or more and 61st with seven grabs of 30 yards or more. Miami can increase those numbers with Ward.
dark. Next. Miami fans and media react to Cam Ward commitment. Miami fans and media react to Cam Ward commitment
Adding Ward increases the chance Miami adds a WR through the transfer portal. Expect Miami to pursue an outside WR to start with George and Restrepo in 2024. In the second year under offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson, Miami can increase the amount big plays they produce in 2024.