Miami quarterback Cam Ward threw two touchdown passes in the first quarter against Virginia Tech. Before the second quarter began, Hokies head coach Brent Pry revealed how the team plans to slow Ward down.
“We’re half a step away from getting to him. We’ve got to get some hits on him and influence him a little bit,” Pry said. “Once he comes out of the pocket, we have to hunt him down relentlessly. But we have to challenge when the ball is in the air, and right now we’re not allowing him to catch the ball. Masu.”
Clearly, Brent Pry’s team took his message to heart. After allowing Miami to advance the ball to its own 13-yard line, the Hokies picked off Ward. Just three plays later, VT running back Tuten Beischl scored a 55-yard touchdown run to tie the game at 14-14.
The interception was Miami’s second turnover of the game. Virginia Tech also forced Ward to fumble on Miami’s early drive. The Hokies’ first 14 points came on drives born from turnovers. Now, Virginia Tech will continue to trouble Ward.
Mario Cristobal praises Cam Ward
Of course, slowing down a standout QB is easier said than done. Prior to Friday’s showdown between the Hurricanes and Virginia Tech, Miami head coach Mario Cristobal had high praise for Cam Ward.
“In every way, he’s magical as a player and as a leader,” Cristobal said. “He’s an alpha dog and his personality, his mentality matches what he does on the field.
“When you put those things together, it just adds to the strength of his leadership. He brings a lot to the table and we’re looking forward to a great game tonight.”
Cam Ward was traded to Miami ahead of the 2024 campaign and has been nothing short of spectacular for the Hurricanes. Through four games, Ward completed 72.4 percent of his pass attempts for 1,439 yards and 14 touchdowns, with only two interceptions.
Meanwhile, Miami is 4-0 and on track to make its first appearance in the College Football Playoff. Ward’s impact on Miami cannot be underestimated this season, but he’s not the only one contributing to the program’s surge in success.
“I love the fact that this team loves to work,” Cristobal said. “They love to chase it. They’re always talking about and working on improvements. The desire to improve is very high. And I feel like we’re just getting started.”
