Mario Cristobal mum on Cam Ward not playing second half of Pop-Tarts Bowl

Anyone hoping for an explanation as to why Miami quarterback Cam Ward didn’t play the second half of Saturday’s Pop-Tarts Bowl was likely unsatisfied by what coach Mario Cristobal said after the game.

Ward had a huge first half for the Hurricanes, throwing for 190 yards and three touchdowns. The three touchdown passes gave Ward 158 for his college career, breaking the all-time Division I record of 155, which previously belonged to former Houston quarterback Case Keenum. Ward also didn’t appear to be hurt in any way. So, particularly given that the Hurricanes ended up losing 42-41 to Iowa State, the Ward situation was on the mind of a lot of people for Cristobal’s postgame press conference.

Adam Lichtenstein of the Sun Sentinel shared on X (formerly Twitter) that he “Asked Mario Cristobal about how he and Cam Ward came to the decision for Ward to play one half.”

The coach was tight-lipped on the decision.

“I think all meetings with players and decisions like that, we should make them in private and keep them in private,” Cristobal said, per Lichtenstein. “So I’ll prefer not to answer questions as it relates to that. I know he played his best while he was in there.”

I asked Mario Cristobal about how he and Cam Ward came to the decision for Ward to play one half. Here is the full quote.

I don’t believe Cam Ward has discussed why he opted to play in the bowl game. He has not been made available to local media since the Syracuse game. pic.twitter.com/lkKxwCZK5x

— Adam Lichtenstein (@ABLichtenstein) December 29, 2024

In the modern era of college football, it’s not at all surprising to see NFL Draft prospects opt out of their team’s bowl games. This is particularly true with players in Ward’s position — projected high draft picks playing on teams out of the College Football Playoff. As such, nobody would have batted an eye if Ward completely opted out of the bowl game. But playing for only half of a close game (Miami led 31-28 at halftime) was more attention-grabbing.

What’s more notable, while Cristobal was mum on the decision for Ward to play only half of Saturday’s game, one day earlier he had a lot to say about Ward playing in the game.

“Nowadays in college football, we are compensated at all levels, right? Coaches, players, administrators — to do a job,” Cristobal said. “And you must finish the job. I think Cam’s DNA, his upbringing, everything he’s made of and stands for is the right kind of stuff. The stuff you want your team made of.”

Canes coach Mario Cristobal speaking this morning on why Cam Ward wants to play in the Pop Tarts Bowl despite likely being a top pick in the NFL draft:

“Cam’s DNA, his upbringing, everything he’s made of and stands for is the right kind of stuff.”

(🎥 @PopTartsBowl) pic.twitter.com/5hifXTgrPF

— Will Manso (@WillManso) December 27, 2024

The coach continued.

“He understands the importance of finishing. And he understands the caliber of opponent that we’re playing and the importance to play at a really high level to give ourselves the best opportunity in this game.”

[Adam Lichtenstein, Will Manso on X]