Cam Ward throws 4 TDs in shootout win over Louisville Cardinals

Miami, Florida – Cam Ward and the sixth-ranked Cardiac Canes have done it again winning 52-45 against the Louisville Cardinals to remain unbeaten. Completing 21 of 32 passes for 319 yards Ward became the first quarterback in program history to throw at least 300 yards and three or more touchdowns in the first seven games of the season. The Heisman hopeful avoided throwing an interception snapping a three-game occurrence dating back to Week 4 against South Florida.

Heading into halftime Miami led 24-17. Both sides were evenly matched but the difference was a key fumble recovery TD by the Canes’ defense. However, the Hurricanes missed an opportunity to extend the lead late in the second quarter falling into a three-and-out.

Cam Ward: 239 Yards, 4 TDs, 0 INT

A Heisman performance. #GoCanes pic.twitter.com/XWvSv7yp2t

— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) October 19, 2024

The second half saw a fierce back-and-forth battle commencing with Miami marching up the field on a drive consisting of 14 plays resulting in an impressive nine-yard touchdown reception by Xavier Restrepo. However, a disastrous sequence of events turned the 34-17 game right on its head. A 100-yard kick-off return by Caullin Lacy followed by a Mark Fletcher fumble in the ensuing drive was cashed in with a 21-yard touchdown pass to Ja’Corey Brooks. Within minutes it was tied at 31.

Incomplete. Even the announcers were saying it. https://t.co/UtaxoizUYC

— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) October 19, 2024

Momentum whiplashed right back in the Hurricanes’ favor thanks to a deep 64-yard pass toward Restrepo leading up to a two-yard TD to Isaiah Horton. Tied at 38 early in the fourth Ward found Sam Brown for 59 yards culminating into a Ajay Allen rushing score. The Cardinals seemed poised to pull off another point swing though. Antonio Watts seemingly made the fumble recovery for a touchdown when Ward was sacked on the play. The referees determined it was a forward pass overturning the call and ruling it incomplete. With the drive still alive, Damien Martinez powered his way to a 30-yard touchdown. Louisville scored late but failed on the onside kick sealing their fate. This is the first time the Hurricanes are 7-0 since 2017.

DAMIEN MARTINEZ REFUSED TO GO DOWN 😤 pic.twitter.com/modTDodFg4

— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) October 19, 2024

Takeaways

Secondary and Special Teams struggled

It was another rough day for the defense giving up 45 points. That’s the most so far this season. The unit played better against the run except on Louisville’s second possession when Isaac Brown made the Hurricanes pay by rushing left into the hole for a 43-yard touchdown run. The secondary couldn’t defend up the middle with Tyler Shough torching them for 342 passing yards and four TDs without throwing a single pick. The safeties were abysmal. However, some credit is due. The unit sacked Shough thrice and forced Brown’s fumble back in the second quarter courtesy of Simeon Barrow recovered by Raul Aguirre Jr. They weren’t the only ones having it rough. Special teams gave up the 100-yard kickoff return and fell for the fake punt.

🚨FAKE PUNT🚨

It's getting wild in Louisville 👀

📺 ABC/ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/Dvdou936li

— ESPN (@espn) October 19, 2024

Ward shows he’s the best in the country

Now that’s a Heisman performance. Cam also became the first quarterback in program history with seven straight 300-yard passing games. Miami’s signal caller put the team on his shoulders utilizing impressive play-making ability and committing scarce mistakes. Ward avoided turning the ball over showing off his accurate arm. Taking advantage of the O-line Cam hit a lurking Jacolby George at the back of the endzone for the 27-yard strike. He struck again to open the second quarter finding a wide-open Sam Brown for the 49-yard score punishing the Louisville secondary caught up in the play. Restrepo and Brown hit the centennial mark accumulating 101 and 125 yards respectively.

WHAT A THROW FROM CAM WARD 🔥 pic.twitter.com/F4A7eEECEm

— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) October 19, 2024

RB Corps combine for 219 yards

Nice run by Mark Fletcher pic.twitter.com/K1nm3EAkcw

— NMD Grant (@NMDgrant) October 19, 2024

Although the Hurricanes are a pass-heavy team, the ground attack played a big role in today’s win. Martinez recorded 89 yards on 12 carries including the 30-yard trip to the endzone. Fletcher got the most carries in a possible playtime shift tallying 73 yards on 13 attempts. Ajay Allen joined in with 31 yards on five carries scoring once. They helped extend drives that ate up a lot of clock grinding away at the opposing defense whenever Ward wasn’t picking them apart in the air. Overall, I am happy with their outing.