Miami will face toughest pass defense its played in 2024 versus California

Miami who leads the nation averaging 392.6 passing yards per game and Cam Ward face their biggest challenge this season versus a stout California pass defense in Berkeley on Saturday night. California is fifth nationally with an 88.43 opponent passer rating, is 11th holding opponents to a 51.5 completion percentage and first with 10 interceptions.

California has held all three of its FBS opponents under 200 yards passing. In the three California wins, opponents have had under a 100 passer rating. California opponents have only three TD passes this season. Forcing turnovers could be a key for California versus Miami.

Cam Ward has lost one fumble and thrown four interceptions this season. That included two interceptions and the sole lost fumble this season last week in the 38-34 win over Virginia Tech. Ward has the second-highest passer grade from Pro Football Focus, is second nationally in passing yards and first with 18 touchdowns.

Ward is the first player in ACC history to throw for over 300 yards and three touchdowns in his first five games to start the season. Ward has been named the ACC QB of the Week three times in the first five weeks of the season. Ward threw for 697 yards, six TDs and three interceptions in games versus California in 2022 and 2023.

California cornerback Nohl Williams is tied for the lead nationally with four interceptions and Marcus Harris is 14th in the nation with two interceptions. Miami wide receiver Xavier Restrepo leads the ACC with 422 receiving yards and is tied for the conference lead with five TD catches.

Ward spreads the ball around with 16 different players having receptions for Miami this season. Five different Miami players have at least 10 receptions and six have multiple TD catches. Harris and Williams are elite corners, but California is going to need more than them to defend Ward and the Miami pass offense.

Miami has used the pass to set up the run. That has gone against traditional football and how Mario Cristobal's teams have played throughout his career as a head coach. Miami needs Ward and the Miami passing offense to continue thriving. California will be its toughest test this season.