In a game that will be remembered as one of the greatest comebacks in Miami Hurricanes history, No. 8 Miami overcame a 25-point second-half deficit to edge out California 39-38. Cameron Ward’s heroics were on full display as he orchestrated a stunning rally, culminating in a 5-yard touchdown pass to Elijah Arroyo with just 26 seconds remaining. The thrilling victory keeps the Hurricanes perfect at 6-0 overall and 2-0 in ACC play.
A week after leading a 10-point fourth-quarter comeback against Virginia Tech, Ward delivered once again, this time orchestrating the biggest comeback for Miami since their legendary rally from 28 points down to defeat Boston College in 1999. The Hurricanes found themselves trailing 35-10 in the third quarter but refused to quit.
Ward was unstoppable down the stretch, guiding Miami on four consecutive touchdown drives. His poise under pressure silenced the sold-out crowd at Memorial Stadium, which was hosting ESPN’s “College GameDay” for the first time. California fans, who had been on the brink of celebrating a monumental victory, left heartbroken as Ward’s performance snatched the game away.
California (3-2, 0-2 ACC) appeared poised for a signature win, leading by 25 points late in the third quarter. It would have been their second victory over a top-10 team in the past 21 seasons. However, they couldn’t contain Ward’s late-game magic. The Bears’ defense, which had stymied Miami for much of the game, faltered as the Hurricanes mounted their comeback.
The loss is a bitter pill for California, who saw their hopes of an upset and a program-defining win vanish in the final moments. Yet, they fought hard, nearly capitalizing on a third-quarter pick-6 that seemed to put the game out of reach.
Ward’s fourth-quarter performance was one for the record books. He amassed 277 yards of total offense in the final 15 minutes alone, the most by any player in seven years. Ward currently leads the nation with 2,380 passing yards and 20 touchdown passes in his first season since transferring from Washington State.
His 33-for-53 passing performance against California featured 437 yards, two touchdown passes, and a rushing score. Despite the earlier pick-6 that contributed to Miami’s deficit, Ward remained unfazed, turning in a clutch display when it mattered most.
Miami’s rally began with an 18-yard touchdown pass from Ward to Isaiah Horton with 10:28 left in the game, narrowing the score to 38-25. Minutes later, Ward scrambled 24 yards for a rushing touchdown, pulling the Hurricanes within six points with 4:04 to play.
After a critical defensive stand, Miami’s offense got another chance, and Ward delivered immediately. He connected with Xavier Restrepo for a 77-yard strike on the first play of the drive, placing the Hurricanes deep in the red zone. A personal foul briefly pushed Miami back, but Ward converted a third-and-20 with a short pass to Joshisa Trader that turned into a 22-yard gain down to the 3-yard line.
Two plays later, Ward lobbed a perfect jump pass to Arroyo, giving Miami the lead with 26 seconds left and completing the dramatic comeback.
The victory keeps Miami in the hunt for an ACC title and solidifies their status as one of the nation’s top teams. With two thrilling comebacks in as many weeks, the Hurricanes have shown their resilience and ability to perform under pressure, led by Ward’s exceptional play.
Meanwhile, California will have to regroup after letting a potential program-changing win slip through their fingers. Despite the loss, the Bears showcased their potential on a national stage, giving their fans plenty of reason for optimism in the future.
For Miami, the focus now shifts to maintaining their perfect record as they continue to pursue their championship aspirations. And with Ward at the helm, the Hurricanes have proven that no deficit is too large to overcome.