Examining Miami's offensive philosophy in 2024

Ward's stat lines in each game are 385 yards, three TDs, one interception vs. Florida; 304 yards, three TDs vs. Florida A&M and 346 yards and five TDs versus Ball State. What is perhaps most impressive is Ward is leading or near the top of the country in all these categories while having been replaced in two of his three games due to Miami taking such a big lead.

The decision to lean so heavily on Ward is an interesting decision by offensive play caller Shannon Dawson. A year ago, in games against lesser non-conference opponents Miami (OH), Bethune-Cookman and Temple, Miami ran the ball at a higher rate than they passed it in each game.

So far this year, Miami has passed the ball at a higher rate than they've run it in two of their three games against lesser non-conference opponents. Miami only ran it at a slightly higher rate than they passed it against Florida A&M. This shift in philosophy has to do with Cam Ward's comfort level the staff feels with him handling the football.

"I mean he's very calm, you know that's one thing I do appreciate. Me and him have similar demeanors on gameday... I like the fact that he has extreme short-term memory, you know, things don't bother him... He sees the field in a really good way... He plays football with a very low pulse, which is what you should do."

- Miami OC Shannon Dawson

The most obvious example of Ward having a short-term memory as Dawson alluded to was in the season opener in a tough environment against Florida. After a fantastic opening drive that resulted in a TD, Ward threw an interception on the next drive after attempting to roll out to his left and throw across his body.

Rather than let his error bother him, Ward took the field on the next drive and led a nine-play series that resulted in a field goal before completing a four-play, 58-yard drive that ended in a TD his next time out.