Cam Ward makes surprising announcement ahead of Miami’s Pop-Tarts Bowl appearance | Sporting News

When the Miami Hurricanes lost to Syracuse in their final regular season game, effectively ending their chances at an ACC Championship and a College Football Playoff berth, expectations for their upcoming bowl game seemed grim.

With Miami falling short of lofty expectations this season, it felt almost certain that star players, especially NFL-bound seniors like quarterback Cam Ward, would opt out of the postseason.

However, that no longer appears to be the case.

Since Christian McCaffrey set the precedent in 2016 for players skipping bowl games to prepare for the NFL, postseason matchups often lack star power.

Yet Ward has seemingly bucked that trend, indicating he will suit up for the Hurricanes in their upcoming bowl game.

Following the release of the final College Football Playoff rankings, where Miami landed as the No.

13 team and one of the first two out of the 12-team bracket, the Hurricanes announced their bowl destination .

Miami accepted a bid to the 2024 Pop-Tarts Bowl, where they will face Big 12 opponent Iowa State at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, on Dec.

28.

The game is scheduled for a 3:30 p.m.

kickoff on ABC.

NEXT STOP: ORLANDO The Canes will take on Iowa State on December 28th in the @PopTartsBowl Read more: https://t.co/yaNC4mfjOF pic.twitter.com/yR89FXW4bQ In a surprising moment, Ward and Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who is set to play in the Valero Alamo Bowl against BYU, discussed their upcoming bowl matchups during a FaceTime call.

To the delight of Miami fans, Ward confirmed his plans to play.

You about to see the best thing that ever happened in the Pop-Tarts Bowl, Ward said.

When Sanders asked what that might be, Ward responded, Them Canes, baby.

We gonna throw that ball.

You best believe we gonna throw that ball.

We trying to win our first game in 20 years.

Confirmed! Cam Ward will be playing in the Pop Tarts Bowl.

Unlike florida state, Miami players dont quit on their team.

Canes culture! pic.twitter.com/AS1QhEOAFN While Wards timeline is a bit offMiamis last bowl victory came in the 2016 Russell Athletic Bowl against West Virginiahis enthusiasm is undeniable.

The Hurricanes have a dismal 2-12 bowl record since 2005, including a loss to Rutgers in last years Pinstripe Bowl under head coach Mario Cristobal.

Ward isnt the only senior committing to the game.

Star running back Damien Martinez also announced his intent to play , giving Miami a chance to end the season on a high note with its first 11-win campaign since 2003.

While its not the postseason Miami envisioned, Wards decision to play demonstrates his commitment to the program he helped revive.

The Heisman Trophy candidate, who broke Bernie Kosars single-season passing record this year, is determined to leave Miami fans with a final performance to remember..

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