Woah! That’s what you call drama. The ending plot of the 2024 season is thickening with every passing moment. From referees getting injured to players stomping on others, it never ends. And guess who became the latest signee in this drama spree? None other than Mario Cristobal’s Miami Hurricanes. Even though Pop Starts are sweet, the Pop Tarts Bowl left back a bitter taste. It started with their QB Cam Ward’s ‘selfish’ decision. This obviously did not sit well with Ward’s teammates. The pressure cooker finally hit maximum heat. And BOOM! The Hurricanes players got into a scuffle among themselves on the sideline.

Well, Pop-Tarts Bowl was filled with surprises. Not even in their wildest dreams did Miami fans expect their hero Ward to sit quietly. The Hurricanes went with a 31-28 lead into halftime against Iowa State. All thanks to Ward and his three-touchdown first half. However, as soon as the second half started, the QB became completely aloof. He was noticeably absent from the field of play even after capturing the NCAA Division 1 record for touchdowns.

Till then it was fine with the Hurricane fans. But eventually, it led to blows. A video went viral from the sidelines that showed the Miami players involved in a fight where Ward went missing. Senior Simeon Barrow Jr. and freshman Marquise Lightfoot were separated after Barrow Jr. threw a punch and Lightfoot shoved Barrow. Even though defensive lineman Justin Scott and other personnel tried to separate the two, all efforts went in vain. But what made the players lose their cool?

Ultimately Matt Campbell’s program landed a neck-to-neck, 42-41 defeat on Ward’s program. But before the final score, the Hurricanes without their QB allowed 21 points to the Cyclones. While fans hoped that Miami defenders could use the energy to stop Iowa State, sadly they soon got the reality check. Now that’s too truly disturbing for the Miami fans. Even more, now that HC Cristobal tried to sidestep the conversation. 

Mario Cristobal keeps silent on the Cam Ward situation

Over the whole Cam Ward situation, the Hurricanes HC have remained tight-lipped. When approached to share the details, he expressed his desire to keep things “private.” In an interview with Adam Lichtenstein of the South Florida Sun Sentinel, Cristobal stated, “I think all meetings with players and decisions like that, we keep them in private and keep them in private.”

The Miami HC added, “So I’ll prefer not to answer questions as it relates to that. I know he played his best while he was in there.” Well, we get it. The HC won’t talk foul about the quarterback. After all, Ward was the main reason why Miami won 10 games and came very close to making the College Football Playoff. So what Cristobal kept quiet?

Even though Iowa State benefited heavily from Cam Ward’s absence, even the Cyclones HC questioned the Miami QB’s move. “(His career) ends a half early for him . . . what that guy has stood for is selfless . . . He’s one of the great leaders of that program,” stated Matt Campbell. That’s how the Miami Hurricanes got “toasted” in the Pop-Tart Bowl.