Miami coach Mario Cristobal was short on specifics on why Heisman Trophy finalist Cam Ward only played the first half of a Pop-Tarts Bowl loss to Iowa State. Ward had a big first half for the Hurricanes,

Miami coach Mario Cristobal tried to explain why quarterback Cam Ward didn’t play in the second half of Saturday’s Pop-Tarts Bowl by not explaining it at all. Ward didn’t finish out the bowl game loss to Iowa State, which presumably had to do with the unnecessary injury risk ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft.

After a three-passing touchdown performance to begin Saturday afternoon's Pop-Tarts Bowl, Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward decided to sit out for the second half of the game. Ward, a 2024 Heisman finalist and someone who is widely considered to become among the top selections in the 2025 NFL Draft,

Miami played the second half of its 42-41 bowl game loss to Iowa State without star quarterback Cam Ward. Ward decided to sit out the second half of the Pop-Tarts Bowl. In the first half, he passed for 190 yards and three touchdowns, setting the record for Division I career touchdown passes.

Mario Cristobal comments on Cam Ward's absence in the second half of Miami's Pop-Tarts Bowl loss to Iowa State.

But as the No. 13 Hurricanes (10-2) prepare to wrap up their 2024 season in the Pop-Tarts Bowl against the No. 18 Iowa State Cyclones (10-3) on Saturday (3:30 p.m., ABC) at Orlando’s Camping World Stadium, coach Mario Cristobal still senses a drive in his team to finish what it started and close the season on a high note.

Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward opted out of the team's bowl game in the second half after breaking the collegiate touchdown passes record.

After missing out on the College Football Playoff, the Miami Hurricanes were unable to end the 2024 season on a high note. The Hurricanes fell to Iowa

It's Miami Hurricanes vs. Iowa State in the 2024 Pop-Tarts Bowl. Follow our live score updates as Cam Ward plays his final college football game.