Grading Cam Ward’s Performance Versus Florida

Miami’s 41 to 17 victory over Florida has quarterback Cam Ward’s fingerprints all over it.

When Mario Cristobal brought him to Coral Gables from Washington State, most objective people brought up Ward’s talent. Some people still questioned whether he could lead this Miami team to the College Football Playoff.

A big reason would be Ward’s willingness to take a lot of risks. After all, he did fumble 14 times in 2023, per Pro Football Focus. It’s ironic, however, as PFF’s grades for Ward go through the roof for his Week 1 performance versus the Gators.

Overall Grade: 90.9

Pocket Kept Clean: 90

Under Pressure: 84.1

Not Blitzed: 80

When Blitzed: 90.8

Ward’s 80.2 grade for the 2023 season at Washington State is good. Going up over 10% to start the 2024 campaign inside The Swamp, that’s outstanding!

Ward’s ability to consistently scan the gridiron – even while under duress – and find his receivers with on-time passes are rare for a college quarterback.

For instance, his first quarter touchdown pass to Cam McCormick provides evidence of his pocket awareness and ability to keep his eyes downfield even with a Gator right in front of him. Further, Ward’s strike to McCormick allows the tight end to keep running and cross the goal line for the first Canes touchdown of the day.

Before that pass and just after the 11-minute mark, Ward did not force a throw and instead took off around the right side and picked up a first down. That’s quality decision-making; that play helps lead Miami down the field to set up that touchdown toss to McCormick. Not all of Ward’s decisions came up with success but he learns quickly.

The next drive includes Ward taking a risk with a roll to his left and throw-back toward the middle of the field. That’s the one interception of the day as Shemar James gets the pick for UF. It’s still a noteworthy point because Ward does not make that mistake again.

The next drive sees Ward use a sidearm pass around a defender, but this time with his feet set, and it’s an excellent pass to Xavier Restrepo . After completing another pass to Restrepo and the Canes reach the red zone, Ward is rolling right and buying time before checking down to Isaiah Horton . It’s the proper decision. First down Canes.

Miami does not score a touchdown but that pass to Horton could’ve been a forced throw and an interception. Miami kicker Andres Borregales knocked a short field through the uprights and Miami continued to build its lead.

For the rest of the day, Ward would go down the path of hitting open receivers, running when available, and not forcing the football into harm’s way. Here’s one more key point about Ward’s performance before providing a final grade.

Mid-third quarter, Ward throws an excellent Level 2 pass where he places just enough air under the throw to bypass the cornerback playing underneath Horton. It's a go-ball without much room for error as the safety is coming over as well. That’s an elite throw and one with a lot of risk if the proper trajectory is not utilized. That might have been Ward’s best pass of the day.

Grading Ward's performance, it deserves an A-. The interception is the lone detractor in an otherwise outstanding performance.