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 didn't play during the second half in a 42-41 loss to Iowa State. Before he exited, the QB threw the 156th TD pass of his career, setting an FBS record. He finished 12-of-19 passing for 190 yards and three touchdowns.