Miami Hurricanes QB Cam Ward gave himself a late Christmas present, setting the Division 1 record for most career passing touchdowns in the Pop-Tart Bowl against Iowa State on Saturday.
CAM WARD SETS THE D-I RECORD FOR MOST CAREER PASSING TDS‼️ pic.twitter.com/NHQsr7ujCd
— ESPN (@espn) December 28, 2024
However, after setting the record, Ward didn’t play in the second half of the game, an eventual 42-41 Miami loss. Mike Golic Jr. and Mike Golic Sr. discussed Ward sitting in the second half of the game on Monday’s edition of GoJo and Golic.
Senior had ZERO issue with Ward sitting out the second half, even alluding to Miami head coach Mario Cristobal’s comments after the game, stating that discussions and decisions regarding player participation, like Ward’s, are handled privately. He emphasized that such matters are confidential and declined to comment further, stating that Ward gave his best effort while on the field.
GoJo also took no issue with Ward not playing the second half; he expressed that this is just the reality of bowl games today. He acknowledged that some may see Ward sitting out as a slight to teammates, but GoJo emphasized that it’s the nature of the modern game. GoJo praised Ward for everything he’s done for Miami football this season, noting how led the program to one of its best seasons in years. To his point, Ward’s teammates likely wanted him to break the record and understood his decision, especially given the bigger picture of his future as a likely first-round NFL Draft pick. GoJo highlighted how players now have the chance to change their lives and their families’ futures and that, as a teammate, it’s hard to hold resentment when you’ve seen their hard work and sacrifices. Although bowl games like the Pop-Tarts Bowl aren’t tied to a national championship, it’s easier to focus on what matters most in the grand scheme — supporting the people you’ve worked with daily. On the contrary, GoJo wished Cristobal had been more forthcoming about the decision for Ward not to play in the second half. GoJo contends that there may have been an agreement to keep details private, but Cristobal speaking out could have eased some of the criticism and speculation surrounding the decision.
Do you have a problem with Cam Ward sitting out the second half of the Pop-Tarts Bowl after grabbing his TD record?
“I have zero problem with it, Mike, 0, absolutely none, and I don't even care that it was brought up…that there was any kind of shaking their head or raising… pic.twitter.com/YFG4u5Tnyj
— DraftKings Network (@DKNetwork) December 30, 2024
Regardless of the opinions surrounding Ward’s second half spent on the sidelines, Senior explained Ward’s decision to sit out the second half was primarily about protecting himself from injury as he prepares for the NFL, a personal decision similar to scenarios faced by players like Saquon Barkley in the pros. He compared it to the Eagles potentially deciding whether Barkley should go after Eric Dickerson’s rushing record, risking injury in a game with few stakes and the team preparing for a playoff run — a choice involving team goals, unlike Ward’s situation. Senior also highlighted that while Ward currently holds the Division I touchdown record, players like Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel, who could play up to three more games in the playoffs, will likely surpass him. He gave a nod to record-holders in other divisions, like John Matocha from Colorado School of Mines, who holds the NCAA all-division record with 162 touchdowns.
As much attention will be surrounding the top quarterbacks in this draft, GoJo shut down the idea that Ward’s decision to sit out the second half of the Pop-Tarts Bowl would hurt his NFL Draft stock. Senior added that NFL scouts and GMs don’t care about these decisions, just like they don’t care if a quarterback skips throwing at the combine. GoJo agreed and pointed out that while players like Ward and Sheduer Sanders might face more scrutiny in the pre-draft process since they aren’t surefire, can’t-miss prospects like in previous classes, no one in the NFL is questioning their competitiveness because of this.
Watch or listen to the full show below and tune into GoJo and Golic weekday mornings from 8-10 a.m. ET on DraftKings Network! See more about how to watch DraftKings Network here.
AUDIO
Hour 1: Holiday Week Recap, NFL MVP Race Heats Up, A Peek At The NFC Playoff Picture and Week 17 Mike’d Up
VIDEO
Watch GoJo and Golic every weekday on Samsung TV Plus, Roku, Xumo Play, Google TV and DraftKingsNetwork.com from 8 to 10 a.m. ET. The show is also available via audio on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also follow Mike Golic Sr. on X at @golic and Mike Golic Jr. on X at @mikegolicjr.
I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skill and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information
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