FOX Sports analyst Joel Klatt resisted that narrative, especially since it diminished what should've been a larger conversation about his work for the Hurricanes and his career achievements, such as setting the record for most touchdown passes by a Division I player.

In a barn-burner of a Pop-Tarts Bowl, the Miami Hurricanes star elected to opt-out of the contest at halftime.

Ward completed 12 of 19 passes for 190 yards and three touchdowns in the first half before giving way to Emory Williams.