Cam Ward stirred controversy when he didn't play in the second half of the Pop-Tart Bowl.
Ward, who played the first half and came on the field in the second half, broke the Division I record for most career passing touchdowns (156), passing Case Keenum.
There was endless debate.
Many thought it would be risky for Ward to enter a meaningless bowl game as a potential No. 1 overall pick. Others, on the other hand, believe Ward is just being selfish for the record. The Hurricanes lost 32-31.
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Miami quarterback Cam Ward (1) throws a pass during the first half of the Pop Tarts Bowl NCAA college football game against Iowa State on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, in Orlando, Florida. ball. (AP Photo/John Rau)
The future first-round pick has received a lot of praise and criticism, but his former head coach Mario Cristobal defended him this week.
“I don’t think there’s a need for a contest to suppress false narratives and a bunch of bullshit — people like to start doing that because that’s how they do any job,” he said on Monday. “That’s where it is. That’s where it’s always been. Position. Cam is an elite player for the Miami Hurricanes as a competitor, as a player, and as a teammate. He has elevated the profile and exposure of the University of Miami.
Miami head coach Mario Cristobal and quarterback Cam Ward (1) celebrate at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium on Saturday, October 19, 2024 in Louisville, Kentucky defeated Louisville 52-45. (Al Diaz/Miami Herald/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
Former Florida State quarterback Jesse Palmer talks College Football Playoff, French Onion Beer and Shade Sanders, Cam Ward
"He leaves a legacy that will have an impact on generations to come. I mean, he's the best player I've ever seen and I'm looking forward to seeing him lead an NFL team to a championship and watching him on Sunday. Contest."
"He's a big reason why he won 10 games and had a chance to really win every game," Cristobal added. "He sets the tone for standards, right, expectations moving forward - as difficult as that may be and as difficult as it sounds."
Entering the final week of the regular season, Miami controlled its own destiny in the College Football Playoff, but the Canes lost to Syracuse, knocking themselves out of the ACC title game and blowing their chances of making the postseason. If Ward had more games to play in December, maybe both sides of the conversation would fade away.
Miami quarterback Cam Ward (1) stands and passes during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Wake Forest University on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Florida. (AP Photo/Lynn Slutkey)
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Ward and Shaddell Sanders are both in discussions to become the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft owned by the Tennessee Titans.
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