Pro Football Focus named Cam Ward the ACC and National Quarterback of the Week following his performance versus California. Cornerback Darryl Porter Jr.. defensive tackle Simeon Barrow and wide receiver Xavier Restrepo were also named to the week six All-ACC team by PFF.
Ward completed 35 passes in 53 attempts for 437 yards, two touchdowns and one interception, plus added a critical 24-yard TD run in the fourth quarter. The 91.0 grade Ward earned from Pro Football Focus was the highest nationally in week six. Ward also was named PFF All-ACC after week one.
Porter Jr. had two tackles, a pass breakup and did not allow a reception on four targets to receive a 79.8 coverage grade from PFF. On a night the Miami secondary was burnt four times for receptions of 50 yards or longer, Porter was reliable all night. California was 0-6 with an interception in the fourth quarter.
Barrow received an 83.6 overall grade and 87.6 run grade from PFF per David Lake of Inside the U. The Michigan State transfer had three tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack and four QB pressures as the highest rated Miami defensive player versus California.
Miami CB Daryl Porter Jr vs Cal:
— PFF College (@PFF_College) October 7, 2024
🙌 4 Times Targeted
🙌 Zero Catches Allowed
🙌 2 Pass Breakups
🙌 79.8 Coverage Grade@CanesFootball pic.twitter.com/1YJOGsTMGU
Lake reported Restrepo received a 74.7 PFF Grade versus California. Restrepo has seven receptions on eight targets for 163 yards. The 77 yard reception Restrepo had on the final drive set up Miami for the game-winning touchdown. Restrepo played 81 of Miami's 86 offensive plays versus California.
Ward's 369.8 passing yards per game, 2,219 yards and 21 TD passes are first nationally. Restrepo is seventh nationally with 585 receiving yards. Barrow has 17 tackles, five tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and a pass breakup at the halfway point of the regular season. Barrow and Porter have been key veterans on the Miami defense.