Cam Ward turns offense over to backup QB at half of Pop-Tarts Bowl

Heisman finalist Cam Ward remains out of game after the half vs. Iowa State

Cam Ward played the first half of the Pop-Tarts Bowl for Miami vs. Iowa State on Saturday. / Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Cam Ward set a new NCAA record and led Miami to a lead at the half of the Pop-Tarts Bowl vs. Iowa State on Saturday. The senior, though, did not return after the break, turning the offense over to backup Emory Williams.

Ward passed the previous Div. I mark for passing touchdowns set by Houston’s Case Keenum when he hit Jacolby George for a 4-yard score in the opening quarter. From there, he added a 40-yard scoring strike to Joshisa Trader and a 33-yard passing touchdown to Elijah Arroyo.

Despite playing without his top target, Ward went 12 of 19 for 190 yards and the three TDs in his final college game. He finishes third on the career passing yardage list between stops at Eastern Washington, Washington State and Miami.

Ward made headlines when he opted to play in the bowl game vs. Iowa State and not opt out to prepare for the NFL Draft. The decision to only play a half was kept under wraps but appeared to be the plan as the game was 31-28 at the break.

Behind the running of Damien Martinez and Mark Fletcher, Jr., Williams led the Hurricanes right down the field to start the second half for a score.

Check out our live ongoing coverage of the Pop-Tarts Bowl between Iowa State and Miami.

The decision was met with some interesting "hot takes" on social media, including by draft guru Todd McShay.

I appreciate that Cam Ward, in this day and age in CFB, played at all. But I just can’t imagine starting any game with teammates, especially as a quarterback, and electing to pull myself out while my teammates are still trying to finish the job in a back-and-forth battle.

I’m a…

— Todd McShay (@McShay13) December 28, 2024