Cam Ward after Florida win: 'This is the most prepared I've been in my career'

Cam Ward couldn’t have asked for much of a better debut at Miami as he led the Hurricanes to a dominant 41-17 win against Florida on Saturday. The transfer quarterback threw for 385 yards and three touchdowns to one interception, completing 74.3% of his passes.

Miami was in control from the start and never trailed in the game. The Hurricanes scored on their very first drive as Ward found Cam McCormick for a nine-yard touchdown pass, his first of the game.

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They would go on to lead 24-10 at halftime before opening up the leading to an even wider margin to start the third. Miami added on two more touchdowns, including an incredible throw from Ward to Jacolby George in the back of the end zone to go up 38-10.

“It was good,” Ward said postgame on ABC. “Both side of the ball came with it. Shout out to the defense. They played good all day. I gave up a couple of points, but it was a good team win. We came out prepared. I feel like this is the most prepared that I’ve been in my college career and I’m just excited we can go 1-0.”

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Ward had high expectations coming in from Washington State, where he threw for more than 3,500 yards and 25 touchdowns this past season. It’s safe to say he didn’t disappoint and his performance should leave Miami fans excited for what’s in store for the rest of the season.

The 41 points that the Hurricanes scored were the most ever allowed by Florida in a home opener at the Swamp. If he can put up those kind of numbers in such a hostile environment, the sky seems to be the limit for where he can lead the team.

“You only get a certain amount of times to play football and I’m gonna take advantage of every opportunity that I get,” Ward said. “Something that I wanted to do out of high school is come play in the SEC and I got a chance to do that. So all glory to God. I’m just blessed to be here.”

It wasn’t just the Cam Ward and the offense that played a part in the big win, however. The Hurricanes also got a big day out of their defense, which forced two interceptions and held the Gators to just 122 yards passing.

Miami’s defense also set the tone on the opening drive by forcing Florida to go three-and-out, and Ward relayed a message to him from defensive lineman Rueben Bain before the game.

“D-line came with it,” he said. “I told Rueben Bain, ‘do you want me to take the ball first or do you want it?’ He said, ‘give it to me.’ They went on defense and got a three-and-out. It was good both sides of the ball in the trenches. Them boys have been going at it since January, so I’m just happy to be behind the O-line.”

Miami will move on to face Florida A&M next week after the big win against Florida. Ward is already ready to prepare for that game, saying he’ll take a short time to celebrate this victory before getting back to work.

“We’re gonna celebrate this one for 30 minutes,” he said. “As soon as I get on the flight, I’m on to FAMU. So I’m ready for next week and gotta start preparing tonight.”