Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward has been on the business end of some rough public relations issues ever since sitting down in the second half of the Pop-Tarts Bowl against Iowa State, but that may not end up mattering at all in terms of where he is selected in the upcoming NFL draft.

Everyone from Ringer NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay to College Football Hall of Fame head coach Steve Spurrier criticized the move, joining thousands of others on social media as Ward stood on the sidelines during the second half a 42-41 loss to Iowa State. From one perspective, it looked like a snap decision to opt out.

Miami quarterback Cam Ward didn’t take the field for the second half of Saturday’s Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando, but Hurricane fans shouldn’t be worried. Miami backup quarterback Emory Williams started for the team to open the third quarter and immediately led the Hurricanes on a touchdown drive.

McShay, who rose to prominence with ESPN in 2006, now hosts his podcast, the McShay Show, for The Ringer. For over 15 years, the 47-year-old worked side-by-side with ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr., breaking down NFL draft prospects.

While Miami football star Cam Ward achieved history in the Pop-Tart Bowl for the most career passing touchdowns in Division I, there was another point in the game that had fans talking. Ward would not

As great as Cam Ward's one and only season was at the University of Miami, it ended on a sour note. After narrowly missing out on the College Football Playoff, the Hurricanes settled for an appearance in the Pop-Tarts Bowl against Iowa State.