Todd McShay criticizes Cam Ward for skipping second half of Pop-Tarts Bowl vs. Iowa State

Miami made an intriguing decision to bench starting quarterback and Heisman Trophy finalist Cam Ward in the second half of the Pop-Tarts Bowl against Iowa State, protecting a narrow lead.

That decision was immediately met with some skepticism, including from noted football analyst Todd McShay.

“I appreciate that Cam Ward, in this day and age in CFB, played at all,” McShay wrote on Twitter. “But I just can’t imagine starting any game with teammates, especially as a quarterback, and electing to pull myself out while my teammates are still trying to finish the job in a back-and-forth battle.”

Cam Ward, of course, had certainly done his part to help Miami build a 31-28 lead in the contest.

The talented starting quarterback had gone 12-of-19 passing in the game for 190 yards with three touchdowns. He’d also rushed twice for eight yards.

But with the game still in the balance, Ward exited and backup Emory Williams took over.

McShay wasn’t the only one questioning the decision, and he seemed to know that might not be a popular choice. Cam Ward has been the heart and soul for the Hurricanes, and any suggestions he dipped out on the team mid-contest were likely to be met with fierce resistance from the Miami fans.

“I’m a realist. I know the climate,” McShay further wrote. “I’m not even knocking Cam here. It’s just different.”

Cam Ward was in the middle of one of the most productive seasons in Miami history. On top of becoming the all-time Division I record holder with his 156th career touchdown pass, he helped lead Miami to a 10-2 regular season.

The team was on the cusp of a College Football Playoff berth.

Meanwhile, Cam Ward entered the Pop-Tarts Bowl 293-of-435 passing for 4,123 yards and 36 touchdowns, against seven interceptions. He also ran for 196 yards and four scores.