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Cam Ward and the Miami Hurricanes are heading toward the final test of their playoff dreams. The Hurricanes will drive to Syracuse, holding a 10-1 and 6-1 in the ACC to face an 8-3 and 4-3 ACC record holder. While Miami currently holds the top-scoring offense in the country with an average of 44.7, Syracuse, on the other hand, scores 31.7 average per game and has a 7th in the ACC. Meanwhile, the highlight of this game will be one of the top passers in the country, Cam Ward. So what’s at stake for Ward?

A college football analyst, J.D. Pickell, started by praising Ward and his squad following their upcoming game against Syracuse. “Here’s what I will say. If Miami gets in the door in the college football playoff, Cam Ward, that’s all I want. Get me on the field with somebody else for four quarters. Let me do what I got. I’ll be halfway. Also, it’s worth taking a first-round bye of the College Football Playoff.”

Pickell didn’t mince his words, highlighting the expertise of Cam Ward. Especially when they are entering one of the toughest games of the schedule. As it’s being said, this game can make or break their playoff hopes. Only by winning against Syracuse will the Hurricanes go to next week’s Atlantic Coast Conference title game.

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Furthermore, Pickell candidly refused to say the Hurricanes can win the national championship.: “By nature of winning the ACC, you’re playing in an environment that’s either indoors or very much so, a friendly external circumstance to throwing the football down, which is what Cam Ward does, right? It’s what Miami does. If Miami makes the college football playoff again, I understand they won’t be favored with the national title.”

The Miami Hurricanes offense, handled by offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson, enjoys being on top of all the other teams. With a scoring offense average of 44.7 and a total offense of 541 yards, the Hurricanes have proved to be one of the elite teams this season. On top of that, their quarterback, Cam Ward, has been phenomenal so far this season.

Our guy is still relevant in the Heisman talks after completing 3773 passing yards and 34 passing touchdowns. Ward even broke the record any Miami quarterback has set in a single season. While their offense is great, what about their defense? Can they stand against an overpowering Syracuse offense?

What’s your perspective on:

Can Cam Ward's brilliance overcome Miami's defensive woes against Syracuse's strong offense?

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Miami and Cam Ward’s fate if they lose against Syracuse

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Busted coverages, missed tackles, and poor defense have so far become the identity of Miami’s defense. That’s why analysts and experts are predicting an intense game given Syracuse’s strong offense that can shake Miami’s defense. The Hurricanes’ defense is ruining what their offensive players like Cam Ward are trying to build so far this season. If Miami loses this game, their playoff hopes can be underwater.

There are already a few of the teams that have secured spots in the championship games. Army vs. Tulane, Boise State vs. Mountain West, and Georgia are ready to roll for the SEC title. Meanwhile, Jacksonville State is gearing up for the CUSA championship game and Oregon will fight for the Big Ten title. So where does Cam Ward’s team stand on the list?

To know that, it’s important to understand that SMU is still waiting for its opponent to win the ACC title and the upcoming Miami vs. Syracuse game will decide it. Technically, if Miami loses their game against Syracuse, they’ll be out of the playoff picture and if Clemson wins their upcoming game against South Carolina, they’ll be the ones playing against SMU in the battle for the ACC title.

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Besides that, it’s intriguing to note that if Miami wins this game, they hold a good 80.4% chance of being in the playoffs, but a loss can crush their dreams in pieces.



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Can Cam Ward's brilliance overcome Miami's defensive woes against Syracuse's strong offense?