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Cam Ward Got Crushed For Sitting Second Half In Pop-Tart Bowl Game

Originally posted on The Spun | By Tzvi Machlin | Last updated Dec 28, 2024 7:55 PM ET

In the first half of the Pop-Tarts Bowl game between Miami Hurricanes and the Iowa State Cyclones, Miami quarterback Cam Ward had the 'Canes offense humming as he threw for three touchdowns and led the team on five scoring drives. But his decision for the second half has raised a lot of questions about his character.

After throwing three touchdowns in the first half, Ward and Miami took a 31-28 lead into halftime. But as the 'Canes came out of the locker room, Ward had his helmet off - signifying that he wouldn't be playing the remainder of the game.

While head coach Mario Cristobal may have decided that it was best to give some reps to 2025's expected starter Emory Williams, the Miami offense stalled. Despite scoring a touchdown on their first drive of the second half, Miami would be limited to just three points for the rest of the game. Iowa State would go on to win the game, 42-41.

Fans who saw Ward come out of the game have been ripping him ever since with many calling him out for essentially quitting on the team by not playing.

"Why play only a half??? Opting out at halftime is weak," college football analyst Danny Kanell wrote on X. "I can’t imagine sitting on the sidelines during a game your team can win looking at my teammates putting their bodies on the line and saying 'Nah I’m good.'”

I can’t imagine sitting on the sidelines during a game your team can win looking at my teammates putting their bodies on the line and saying “Nah I’m good.”
— Danny Kanell (@dannykanell) December 29, 2024

"So lemme get this straight. Cam Ward decides to play in the bowl game but when his team is down by 1 with 45 seconds left, you choose to sit out the final drive and you’re not injured??? Cmon man," another user wrote.

"Wouldn’t want that fraud Cam Ward on my NFL team. Go out there and win the game for Miami smh," a third said bluntly.

While in most situations it would be pretty easy to criticize Ward for the move, it's a bit harder when you realize that Ward has an NFL career to prepare for.

If anything the Hurricanes were fortunate that he was willing to play in the game at all.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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