By Dorrington Myers
On Saturday, October 19, 2024, we witnessed arguably the best two-way QB performance of the season thus far from two players worthy of discussion: Cam Ward and Tyler Shough. The Louisville Cardinals took on the No. 6-ranked Miami Hurricanes in a game as explosive as any in recent memory. The Canes claimed victory with a score of 52-45.
In a Fact or Fiction piece by Mike Farrell, he posed the question: Is Cam Ward the savior for the Hurricanes? Coming into this season, that was fiction, as Ward would have needed to play like a man on fire, and the overall performance of QBs from the transfer portal had been disappointing. However, as the season progresses, it’s becoming a fact. Ward has earned QB of the Week, and here I break down his extraordinary performance.
Cam Ward By the numbers:
Things started off a little shaky due to turnovers, but Cam Ward has emerged as one of the most efficient passers in the country. Against Louisville, Ward went 21-for-32, throwing for 319 yards and four touchdowns with zero interceptions. Currently, he leads the nation with 2,538 passing yards and is taking care of the ball with an impressive 24-to-5 touchdown-to-interception ratio.
Additionally, Ward leads the country in QBR, boasting a 92.3 rating. This demonstrates his ability to impact the game in multiple ways. Through the air, he’s protected the football and made smart decisions. On the ground, he scrambled for positive yards and avoided costly sacks. His chances for the Heisman Trophy continue to rise each week.
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Key Cam Ward play analysis:
Play 1:
The Cardinals drop eight in coverage, making it difficult for Ward to find an open receiver. The line holds its ground against a strong defense, giving Ward time in the pocket. As the pocket collapses, Ward does what he does best: he moves the pocket, rolls left, locates his target, and throws a dime to the back of the end zone to Jacolby George.
.@Cameron7Ward strikes again 🎯🤯
📺: ABC#GoCanes pic.twitter.com/nW8sCPCbTg
— Miami Hurricanes Football (@CanesFootball) October 19, 2024
Play 2:
Louisville plays a variation of Cover 3 zone. WR Xavier Restrepo finds a hole after the secondary breaks containment from a Ward rollout, and Ward spots it, delivering a beautifully placed ball.
Cam Ward making big plays even when hit! My goodness#GoCanes | #RatedProspect
— The Draft Network (@TheDraftNetwork) October 19, 2024
Play 3:
This play exemplifies Ward’s ability to create opportunities when the play seems dead in the water. Improvisation is one of his greatest strengths. The Cardinals are in man coverage here, and the right tackle gets beaten off the edge by the defensive end, forcing Ward to escape. He creates space and, with great awareness, flips the ball to RB Mark Fletcher, who was originally in pass protection for a positive gain.
The improvisational skills of Cam Ward is what makes him different @CanesFootball pic.twitter.com/HrZPUqqpku
— Sleeper Athletes (@SleeperAth1etes) October 19, 2024
Play 4:
This is where Cam Ward becomes most dangerous—in the red zone. The Cardinals play man coverage on the perimeter while the rest of the defense prepares to stop a potential run. Isaiah Horton gets a great release, creating enough space for Ward to deliver the ball, and he doesn’t miss. Ward fires another strike, putting the ball on the money, and bringing Miami back on top.
CAM WARD THROWS A LASER FOR HIS 4TH TOUCHDOWN 😱
(via @ESPNCFB)
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) October 19, 2024
What I liked:
I like how Cam Ward plays with pace, knowing exactly where he’s going with the ball and how he’ll get it to his receivers. Ward exudes a quiet confidence that positively impacts his teammates, yet he never comes across as cocky. His determination to be a great passer is notable, especially since he has the ability to take over a game with his legs at any moment.
There’s a distinct difference between a thrower and a passer of the football, and Ward is undoubtedly a passer. Some may liken his play style to a backyard game, but I believe he incorporates it in a holistic, effective way. Ward’s Heisman stock has risen, and I expect more standout performances from him as we head into the playoff race.
