Nov 9, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward (1) scrambles against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the second quarter at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
AMES — Describing Miami quarterback Cam Ward’s pro football outlook is as easy as 1-2-3.
As in, he’s likely slotted somewhere in those three top spots at his position for the 2025 NFL Draft.
But stopping him, or even containing him? That’s an exceedingly difficult proposition — but one Iowa State’s defense must at least somewhat successfully navigate to have a chance to beat the No. 13 Hurricanes at 2:30 p.m. on Dec. 28 in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando.
Miami’s favored by 3.5 points. The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN. And Ward will make plays up and down the field, showcasing his elite arm talent and game-altering mobility against a No. 18 Cyclones team decimated by injuries on the defensive side of the ball.
“I just think he’s a young professional,” said ISU defensive coordinator Jon Heacock, whose unit still ranks 33rd nationally in points allowed per game despite giving up 45 in the Big 12 title game loss to No. 12 Arizona State. “Very gifted and talented. You look at the throws that he can or he can’t make — he can make ‘em all. There’s not a throw on the field that he can’t make. And I would guess if he stays healthy, he’s gonna be one of the 1, 2, 3 guys taken in the draft.”
That puts the 6-2, 223-pound twice-transferred Ward in rarified territory, but he’s vowed to play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl rather than opting out. Both the Cyclones (10-3) and the Hurricanes (10-2) should bring most of their important contributors to Orlando in a week and a half — and that speaks to the so-called “cultures” of the two programs.
“(This is) gonna mean everything,” said ISU senior receiver Jaylin Noel, a first-team All-Big 12 selection by the Associated Press this season. “This program’s (given) everything to me and for me to be able to finish it strong, and just play with my brothers one last time, it means the world.”
Noel and fellow 1,000-yard senior receiver Jayden Higgins will tax Miami’s defense, and as long as sophomore quarterback Rocco Becht can elude a strong Hurricanes pass rush, the potential for explosive plays downfield should emerge for the Cyclones. Miami tied for 107th nationally in passing plays allowed that spanned 50-plus yards (six), but tied for 19th in sacks at 35.
“They play hard, they’re physical, they’re really well coached,” ISU’s first-year offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser said. “I mean, they’ve got one of the best (pass rushers) of all-time as one of their D-line coaches with (NFL Hall of Famer) Jason Taylor, so those guys up front jump off the tape when you watch them. We’re gonna have to have a plan for those guys.”
Same goes for Ward, who threw 36 touchdown passes this season while rushing for four more. He may be without at least one of his top receivers, however, as sophomore Isaiah Horton (56 catches, 616 yards, five touchdowns) is reportedly planning to enter the transfer portal. At least one report indicates record-setting leading receiver Xavier Restrepo might choose to sit out, as well, but even if both are absent in Orlando, Ward will still enjoy an array of swift and talented targets to latch onto.
“It’s a great opportunity to go against great guys, great talent like that,” said ISU cornerback Jontez Williams, an AP second-team All-Big 12 honoree. “Just be able to get in a good game and (get) good work.”
And there’s at least some good news for the Cyclones on the injury front: Head coach Matt Campbell said freshman linebacker Cael Brezina could play after missing the last four games.
“So there’s a positive,” Campbell said.
Having at least one more capable body on the field to help limit the nation’s No. 1 ranked scoring offense would obviously be a major plus for ISU, which will have its hands full as long as Ward’s taking snaps and surveying the field.
“His mind is working all the time,” Heacock said. “Reading coverages, the progressions — you see him doing all that stuff and then he has the ability to make a play last. Anytime you can make a play last at quarterback, it presents a lot of problems.”
