Cameron Ward holding his own in Pac-12 as Washington State QB
PULLMAN, Wash. (BVM) β The quarterback position is undoubtedly one of the most important positions on the football field. With the game now focusing on RPO (run-pass option) concepts, a team having the right quarterback is key to running the offense to its best capabilities. Washington State seems to have found its in QB Cameron Ward.Β
Before leading the Cougars, the Texas native was leading the University of the Incarnate Word in the FCS. There, he led the league with 24 touchdown passes. Ward was also second in the nation with 2,260 passing yards, 183 total completions and 26 total touchdowns.
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Just some real-life highlights from Jerry Rice Award winner Cameron Ward! #SouthlandStrong #TheWord pic.twitter.com/KpT9uJpApt
— Southland Conference (@SouthlandSports) May 3, 2021
Ward helped UIW become nationally ranked for six straight weeks. Ward and the Cardinals reached No. 13, the programβs best ranking ever. He also became the first Southland Conference player to win the Jerry Rice Award, given annually to the most outstanding freshman in FCS football.Β
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Full release: https://t.co/ET0NGhyCBJ#TheWord pic.twitter.com/OnUGmSIASj
— UIW Football (@UIWFootball) May 3, 2021
Now, only a sophomore, Ward has continued to find success on the football field. He has passed for 2,360 yards and scored 22 total TDs so far this season. The 6-foot-2, 220-pound QB got off to a hot start for the Cougars as he helped lead the team to a 3-0 record, including a win over then-No. 19 ranked Wisconsin Badgers in Madison.
However, following the three wins, the Cougars accumulated a 2-4 overall record in the next six games. In that stretch, Ward would have arguably his two best games of the season against Oregon and California. Ward completed 64.5% of his passes in those games and had six total TDs. Heading into this week, Washington State currently sits in seventh place in the Pac-12 with a 5-4 record. One more win and the Cougars will be bowl eligible.
With Ward potentially under center for the next two years, the Cougars appear to be in a great spot within the Pac-12, especially once UCLA and USC leave for the Big Ten in 2024.
Nevertheless, Ward and his teammates have three regular-season games left to play in 2022. It wouldnβt be hard to imagine that they are solely focused on performing well in those too in hopes of securing a bowl bid. But thanks to Ward, it sure looks to be an exciting time for Cougar fans and Washington Stateβs football program.
