The PopTarts Bowl was supposed to be a chance for Miami to cap off their season on a high note. Instead, it became a showcase for quarterback Cam Ward’s decision-making—both on and off the field. Ward, a standout all year and Heisman finalist, made headlines by breaking Case Keenum’s NCAA Division 1 career touchdown pass record, a milestone that had stood since 2011. He reached the historic 158th touchdown during the first half, throwing three scores to give Miami an early lead. But what happened next left fans, teammates, and the college football world shaking their heads.
Ward, who had declared he was playing in the bowl game, abruptly shut it down after setting the record. He spent the remainder of the game on the sidelines, leaving his Miami teammates to fend for themselves. When the Hurricanes had a chance to mount a game-winning drive in the final 54 seconds, down 42-41 to Iowa State, Ward stood idly by as a backup quarterback tried to engineer a miracle.
My response to Cam Ward pulling himself out at halftime:
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) December 30, 2024
“Cam, you stood on your teammates shoulders to break a record, but when they needed you to win the game, you were nowhere to be found.”
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The attempt fell short of even crossing the 50, and Miami’s seniors saw their college careers end in heartbreak; all while their star quarterback—arguably capable of delivering that drive—watched from the bench.
Ward’s actions send a troubling message. His decision to play just long enough to secure the record gives the impression that personal accolades outweighed team success. Opting out of bowl games has become a common practice for NFL-bound players, but most are upfront about their intentions. Fans have learned to live with that, they understand it and move on. Ward’s approach, however, blurred the lines, leaving his teammates and fans feeling betrayed. However, if he had played and gotten hurt all the NFL dreams might be over.
Head coach Mario Cristobal didn’t help matters, remaining tight-lipped after the game and failing to explain or justify Ward’s absence. The lack of accountability from both Ward and Cristobal adds another layer of disappointment to the situation.
Cam Ward pulling himself out as a "business decision" while watching his team lose, epitomizes the current state of college football
— Brewster Bevis (@BrewsterBevis) December 29, 2024
College football thrives on team spirit and camaraderie. Ward’s decision to prioritize a record over a victory reflects poorly on him, Miami, and the sport itself. If the record mattered more than the game, Ward should have opted out entirely. Instead, he chose a path that diminished the legacy of his achievement and cast a shadow over his team’s season.
Some of those guys will never play football again, and they go out with a loss. Would you be okay with your QB shutting it down like that BBN?