Three reasons why Cam Ward is playing in the Pop Tart Bowl

Cam Ward doesn't need the Heisman. Ward won the Davey O'Brien over Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel. By transferring to Miami, Ward achieved what he wanted by improving his draft position. NFLDraftscout.com ranks Ward as the second QB behind Shedeur Sanders of Colorado and ahead of Oregon's Dillon Gabriel.

Ward's biography shows that he has had constant challenges to be a success. Ward had to begin his college career at FCS Incarnate Word before transferring to Washington State and then Miami. Miami quarterbacks have been revered for their bowl performances.

Ward is taking a risk playing in the Pop-Tarts Bowl, knowing it could lead to injury. Athletes can mitigate this risk by purchasing a "loss of value" insurance policy, which can be a wise choice. Despite the potential for injury, including from unexpected events like a pickup basketball game, Ward's competitive nature drives him to participate.

Ward last played in the 2022 LA Bowl against the Fresno State Bulldogs, where he did not perform well. Ward is eager to end his college career with a victory. A strong performance in a bowl game could enhance a player's draft stock, as seen with Geno Smith, who threw six touchdowns against Clemson in the 2012 Orange Bowl.

3. Heisman trophy doesn't equal success in the NFL

According to NFL.com, 15 Heisman Trophy winners have gone undrafted, exceeding the nine inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. There is a risk when a player opts to play an additional game before the draft.

Former Michigan tight end Jake Butt took out a loss of value insurance policy before the start of his final season. Christian McCaffrey, Ed Oliver and Leonard Fournette were oft-injured college players and skipped their bowl games. Ward should take an insurance policy.

2. End his college career with a win

Ward and the Miami offense will be challenged by Iowa State, who is fourth nationally in passing yards allowed per game. Ward is taking a risk by choosing to play for Miami in the Pop-Tarts Bowl. Miami should have a partisan crowd at the Pop-Tarts Bowl.

1. A strong bowl game will help his draft stock

For college players who are often injured, opting out of a bowl game is a good idea to heal injuries before the combine. Playing well in a bowl game is another way for a player to improve their draft stock. Ward can leapfrog Sanders with an "MVP-like" performance against a top-tier pass defense. Sanders has opted to play in the Alamo Bowl so basically, the combine has begun.