Miami’s Cam Ward opted out of the bowl game in the second half after setting a record TD, sparking debate on social media.

Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward, the top pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, set an NCAA Division I record for touchdown passes during his bowl game appearance on Saturday, then sat out the second half.

Ward and the Hurricanes played the Iowa State Cyclones in the Pop-Tarts Bowl. Ward made his mark with a first-quarter touchdown pass to Jacoby George. It gave him 156 career touchdowns. Emory Williams started the second half. And Miami lost the game 42-21.

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Miami quarterback Cam Ward (1) passes the ball during the first half of the Pop Tarts Bowl NCAA college football game against Iowa State on Saturday, December 1, September 28, 2024 in Orlando, State. Florida (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Miami head coach Mario Cristobal was asked about the decision after the game.

“Meeting with all the players. And that kind of decision We keep them private. We keep them private,” Cristobal said. Via ESPN– “So, I don’t want to answer any questions. related to that matter But I know he played his best while he was there.”

Ward’s decision also caught the attention of social media.

Case Keenum’s Record-Breaking Quarterback Keenum set Division I records – FBS and FCS – from 2007 to 2011. He scored 155 touchdowns with the Houston Cougars.

Shadeer Sanders receives giant custom cleats before his final college game as G-MEN No. 1 1 pick.

Dec 28 Nov 2024; ORLANDO, FL: Miami Hurricanes defenseman Cam Ward (1) stands on the sideline during the first half against the Iowa State Cyclones at Camping World Stadium. (Photo: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn)

“Good luck, man,” he told WQAM Radio. “I think I’ve grown a lot this year. Beyond football This is the best team I’ve ever been on. . . . I feel lucky to be here.”

Dillon Gabriel, Oregon quarterback He’s close to overtaking Keenum as well. He has 153 touchdowns in six seasons. He could come close to destruction in the College Football Playoff.

Ward may be one of the first talented quarterbacks. Taken off the board in the spring when the draft began, Shader Sanders, Quinn Evers and Carson Beck are among the top prospects.

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Dec 28 Nov 2024; ORLANDO, FL: Miami Hurricanes defenseman Cam Ward (1) poses during the second half against the Iowa State Cyclones at Camping World Stadium. (Photo: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn)

“I think Cam’s DNA, his upbringing. Everything he has built and stood for is right. What do you want your team to create,” Cristobal said. “He had a huge impact on our community, our team, our program. and alumni”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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