Miami QB Cam Ward completes ridiculous touchdown against Duke

Ward gave Miami (8-0, 4-0 ACC) an early 7-0 lead after completing a 34-yard touchdown to wide receiver Xavier Restrepo.

Ward created something out of nothing on the play. He evaded the Blue Devils’ pass rush by stepping up into the pocket, then retreating and rolling to his right. He uncorked the football just before being drilled by a Duke defender.

Duke safety Terry Brown got one hand on the ball, deflecting it to Restrepo for the touchdown.

Ward added a second passing touchdown later in the first quarter to give the Hurricanes a 14-0 lead.

In September, Ward raced out to the pole position on Heisman leaderboards. He’s since been passed by Colorado cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter, but the race could tighten if Ward keeps making plays like his first touchdown against Duke.

Entering Week 10, Ward was 191-of-281 (68%) passing for an ACC-high 2,746 yards, 24 touchdowns and five interceptions. He had added 42 carries for 186 yards and three rushing touchdowns.

Per ESPN’s Football Power Index, Miami is the favorite to win the ACC (54.7%) and has an 89.1% chance to reach the 12-team College Football Playoff.