Brent Pry evaluates how Virginia Tech can slow down Cam Ward, Miami offense

Miami quarterback Cam Ward threw two touchdown passes against Virginia Tech in the first quarter. Before the second quarter began, Hokies head coach Brent Pry revealed how his team plans to slow down Ward.

“We’re about a half step from getting to him. We’ve gotta get a couple of hits on him, affect him that way a little bit,” Pry said. “We’ve gotta be relentless in our rush on him when he gets out of the pocket. But, we’ve got to go challenge balls when they’re in the air and right now, we’re allowing them to catch them.”

Evidently, Brent Pry’s team took his message to heart. After allowing Miami to march the ball to their own 13-yard line, the Hokies picked off Ward. Only three plays later, VT running back Tuten Bhayshul broke away for a 55-yard touchdown run to even the score at 14-14.

The interception was Miami’s second turnover of the game. Virginia Tech also forced Ward to fumble in Miami’s opening drive. The Hokies’ first 14 points came on drives generated by turnovers. Now, Virginia Tech will look to continue to give Ward trouble.

Mario Cristobal praises Cam Ward

Of course, it’s easier said than done to slow down the standout QB. Ahead of the Hurricanes’ showdown against Virginia Tech on Friday, Miami head coach Mario Cristobal raved about Cam Ward.

“In every aspect, he’s magical as a player, as a leader,” Cristobal said. “He’s an alpha dog and his personality, his mentality, they match what he does on the field.

“When you go put those things together, the strength of his leadership grows. He’s brought a lot to the table, and looking forward to him having a great game tonight.”

Cam Ward transferred to Miami ahead of the 2024 campaign and has been nothing short of spectacular for the Hurricanes. Through four games, Ward has completed 72.4% of his pass attempts for 1,439 yards and 14 touchdowns while only throwing two interceptions.

In turn, Miami is 4-0 and on track to make its first appearance in the College Football Playoff. While Ward’s impact on Miami this season can’t be understated, he isn’t the only one responsible for the program’s surge of success.

“I just like the fact that this team loves to work,” Cristobal said. “They love to get after it. They’re always talking about and working on improvement. There’s a tremendous appetite for betterment. And I feel like we’re just getting started.”