Miami's Cam Ward opts out of bowl game in 2nd half after setting TD record, ignites social media debate

Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward, a potential top pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, set the NCAA Division I record for touchdown passes during his bowl game appearance on Saturday and then sat for the second half.

Ward and the Hurricanes played the Iowa State Cyclones in the Pop-Tarts Bowl. Ward set the mark with a touchdown pass in the first quarter to Jacolby George. It brought him to 156 career touchdown passes. Emory Williams started the second half, and Miami went on to lose the game, 42-41.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Miami quarterback Cam Ward (1) throws a pass during the first half of the Pop Tarts Bowl NCAA college football game against Iowa State on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, in Orlando, Fla.  (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Miami head coach Mario Cristobal was asked about the decision after the game.

"All meetings with players, and decisions like that, we made them in private, we keep them in private," Cristobal said, via ESPN. "So, I'll prefer not to answer any questions as it relates to that. But I know he played his best while he was in there."

Ward’s decision caught the attention of social media as well.

The quarterback broke Case Keenum’s record. Keenum set the Division I – FBS and FCS – record from 2007 to 2011. He had 155 touchdown passes with the Houston Cougars.

SHEDEUR SANDERS RECEIVES CUSTOM GIANTS CLEATS BEFORE FINAL COLLEGE GAME AS G-MEN OWN NO. 1 PICK

Dec. 28, 2024; Orlando, Fla.: Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward (1) stands on the sideline during the first half against the Iowa State Cyclones at Camping World Stadium. (Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images)

"Just blessed, man," he told WQAM