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Mario Cristobal comments on Cam Ward’s second-half absence in Pop-Tarts Bowl
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Mario Cristobal declined to comment on the reasoning behind Cam Ward’s halftime exit during Miami’s 42-41 loss to Iowa State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl on Saturday.
Ward — a Heisman Trophy finalist and a likely first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft — started the game for Miami but only played the first half. From the start of the third quarter on, sophomore quarterback Emory Williams led the offense. Ward was still in uniform on the sideline throughout the game, but he never re-entered. Not even on a potential game-winning drive with 51 seconds remaining.
With Ward’s draft stock being what it is, some wondered if Ward played in the first half simply to break the all-time NCAA passing touchdowns record. With 4:12 to play in the first quarter, Ward connected with Jacolby George for his 156th career touchdown pass. That throw broke a tie with former Houston quarterback Case Keenum for the most in Division I history. Some wondered if Miami wanted to see its backup operate in a close game. Cristobal offered no clarity on the situation.
“All meetings with players and decisions like that — we make them in private and we keep them in private,” Cristobal told reporters after the game. “I’ll defer to not answering questions as it relates to that. But I know (Ward) played his best while he was in there, and certainly Emory (Williams) tried his best as well. We were rushing the ball really well.”
On Friday, Cristobal intimated that Ward was playing in the bowl game to “finish the job,” adding that Ward “understands the importance of finishing.”
In one half against Iowa State, Ward completed 12 of his 19 passes for 190 yards and 3 scores. Miami had a 31-28 lead when he left the game. The Hurricanes finished with a season-high 308 rushing yards but came up empty on their final 2 possessions of the game. Williams completed just 5 of his 14 passes for 26 yards and a pick in relief of Ward.
Miami’s quarterback situation is hazy heading into the offseason. The Hurricanes could turn to the transfer portal once again to find Ward’s replacement, but the portal class has been much smaller this year than last. At least for the time being, Miami has just 5 known transfer pledges. Cristobal also signed 4-star Georgia quarterback Luke Nickel earlier this month.
“Position-wise, I think you know we always assess every position on our team, and it’s something I never discuss publicly, out of respect for our program, out of respect for the players involved,” Cristobal said when asked about the room going forward. “We’re always looking for ways to develop the guys within the program and always bring the best possible players in.”
Derek Peterson does a bit of everything, not unlike Taysom Hill. He has covered Oklahoma, Nebraska, the Pac-12, and now delivers CFB-wide content.
