David Pollack Gives Honest Opinion on Cam Ward Bowl Game Controversy

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jaron Spor | Last updated Dec 30, 2024 2:30 PM ET

The No. 13 Miami Hurricanes (10-3) had an impressive season this year. For the first time since 2017, Miami achieved 10 wins and was in contention for a possible College Football Playoff berth before losing its final regular-season game.

A significant factor in the team's success was quarterback Cam Ward's performance. Ward had an outstanding season, completing 67.2% of his passes for 4,313 yards, 39 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He ranks second in the nation in passing yards and first in passing touchdowns.

In an era when many players choose to opt out of bowl games, Ward decided to participate in the Pop-Tarts Bowl on Saturday against the No. 18 Iowa State Cyclones (11-3). In the first half, Ward completed 63% of his passes for 190 yards and three touchdowns. However, controversy arose in the second half, during which Ward apparently opted out. As a result, Miami's halftime lead evaporated, and the Cyclones secured a 42-41 victory.

David Pollack shared his perspective on this controversy via his YouTube channel, "David Pollack College Football."

"To be very, very clear, this does nothing to affect Cam Ward's draft stock," Pollack said. "Absolutely zero. Does it do zero to affect his teammates and the way they look at him in the future? No ... I would have a really hard time standing there on the sidelines of a game and watching my team lose, and I know, by the way, if I'm in the game, we win."

Some wondered if it was a selfish move by Ward. Maybe he only wanted to set a record since, on his final touchdown pass, he set the Division I (FBS and FCS) record, surpassing former Houston Cougars quarterback Case Keenum, who threw 155 touchdowns from 2007-11.

UM head coach Mario Cristobal didn't offer much of an explanation. When asked after the game, he said, “I think all meetings with players and decisions like that, we make them in private, and we keep them in private. So, I’ll prefer not to answer questions as it relates to that. I know he played his best while he was in there.”

With less than a minute remaining, the Cyclones took a 42-41 lead, leading some to believe that Ward might come in to orchestrate a game-winning drive. However, he stayed on the sideline while Emory Williams returned to the field. In the second half, Williams completed 5 of 14 passes for 26 yards and ultimately threw an interception on the final drive, sealing the team's loss.

Although fans may never know if Ward's absence was preplanned, that doesn't change his great season and career. He is now likely to be a top pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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