"His career ends a half early for him": Rival coach Matt Campbell feels for Miami's Cam Ward after Pop-Tarts Bowl loss

Mario Cristobal may regret pulling Cameron Ward from the Pop-Tarts Bowl at halftime for a long time. The Hurricanes appeared to be in control of their matchup against Iowa State, with victory seemingly more likely than a Cyclones comeback. Cristobal decided to start Emory Williams in the second half.

Despite the change, the Cyclones fought back and sealed the win with a one-yard rushing touchdown by quarterback Rocco Becht with 56 seconds remaining. Miami’s desperate final drive, led by Williams, ended with Drew Surges intercepting a Hail Mary attempt.

The decision to bench Ward, a Heisman finalist, in his final game of the season immediately drew criticism. Even Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell, whose team benefited from the move, questioned it in spirit:

"(His career) ends a half early for him . . . what that guy has stood for is selfless . . . He's one of the great leaders of that program."

Miami's Mario Cristobal comments on Pop-Tarts Bowl loss

Following the defeat, Mario Cristobal also spoke with the press and gave his own assessment of the game. Here's what he told ESPN:

"Disappointed that we couldn't pull out a victory, these guys have always fought and always competed and this was no exception. ... It's painful. It's as painful as it gets when you don't win. But there's a lot to build on.”

Criticism of Cristobal isn’t limited to the decision to bench Ward. Questions were also raised about his lack of trust in backup quarterback Emory Williams, who had only six passing plays before the game’s final, frantic drive.

The Hurricanes also suffered a setback early in the fourth quarter when running back Damien Martinez exited with a shoulder injury.

Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht earned MVP honors after amassing 270 passing yards, three passing touchdowns, and a rushing touchdown. Ward, who played only the first half, finished with 190 yards and three passing touchdowns.