Cam Ward Makes History with 15,000 Passing Yards
In a dominant 50-15 victory over South Florida, Miami Hurricanes’ quarterback Cam Ward made history by becoming the 13th player in NCAA history to surpass 15,000 career passing yards. Ward showcased his skill and precision by throwing for 404 yards and three touchdowns, leading the eighth-ranked Hurricanes to an impressive win on Saturday night.
Ward’s stellar performance included touchdown passes of 6 yards to Isaiah Horton, 5 yards to Xavier Restrepo, and a remarkable 76-yard connection to Sam Brown that solidified Miami’s lead in the second quarter. Running back Damien Martinez also contributed to the team’s success by rushing for three touchdowns, including two 1-yard runs that extended Miami’s lead to 36-15 in the third quarter.
Receiver Sean Atkins had an outstanding game for USF, recording 11 catches for 125 yards and even throwing a 12-yard touchdown pass to quarterback Byrum Brown. Despite USF’s efforts, Miami’s offense led by Ward proved to be too potent for the Bulls to handle.
Ward’s Milestone Achievement
Entering the game needing 89 yards to reach the 15,000 career passing yards mark, Ward wasted no time in achieving this milestone. With a 22-yard completion to Horton in the first quarter, Ward surpassed the 15,000-yard mark, solidifying his place in NCAA history. The accomplishment is a testament to Ward’s talent and consistency throughout his collegiate career.
Among active college quarterbacks, the only other player with more than 15,000 passing yards is Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel. Ward’s journey to 15,000 passing yards began at FCS Incarnate Word, where he amassed 6,908 yards in two seasons before transferring to Washington State. In his 48th career game, Ward reached the remarkable milestone, further establishing himself as one of the top quarterbacks in college football.
USF’s Resilience and Miami’s Dominance
Despite USF’s early lead in the first half, Miami’s offensive firepower proved to be too much for the Bulls to handle. USF’s field goals by Nico Gramatica and John Cannon kept them in the game temporarily, but Miami’s relentless attack led by Ward and Martinez ultimately sealed the victory for the Hurricanes.
Under the guidance of coach Alex Golesh, USF showed signs of improvement and resilience, challenging a Top 10 opponent for the second time in their last three games. Although they fell short against Miami, the Bulls’ competitive performance indicates a promising future for the program under Golesh’s leadership.
Miami’s dominant display on offense, highlighted by Ward’s historic achievement and the team’s school-record 750 yards of total offense, solidifies their position as a force to be reckoned with in college football. The Hurricanes’ impressive start to the season sets the stage for a successful run as they enter Atlantic Coast Conference play.
Looking Ahead
As Miami prepares to face Virginia Tech in their ACC opener, they aim to continue their winning streak and assert their dominance in the conference. With Ward leading the charge, the Hurricanes are poised for a successful campaign as they strive for a spot in the College Football Playoff.
USF, on the other hand, shifts their focus to the American Athletic Conference portion of their schedule as they face Tulane next week. Under Golesh’s guidance, the Bulls look to build on their recent performances and compete at a high level in the conference.
In conclusion, Cam Ward’s historic achievement of surpassing 15,000 career passing yards, coupled with Miami’s dominant victory over USF, showcases the talent and potential of the Hurricanes this season. As both teams continue their respective journeys in college football, the stage is set for an exciting and competitive season ahead.