Cameron Ward flashed plenty of talent at both Incarnate Word and Washington State before joining Miami this past off-season, but it looks like he's found his perfect fit. Head coach Mario Cristobal has been building the Hurricanes roster for this very season and a quarterback just like Ward ever since joining Miami back in 2022.

Miami, aided by a pair of big third-down conversions and four USF penalties, marched 75 yards down the field on its opening drive, with running back Damien Martinez capping it with a 2-yard rushing touchdown. Martinez also had a 14-yard catch-and-run on a third down midway through the drive.