Miami will face the toughest pass defense it has ever played against California in 2024

Miami, which leads the nation with an average of 392.6 passing yards per game, and Cam Ward face their biggest challenge of the season against a strong California pass defense on Saturday night in Berkeley. California ranks fifth nationally with an opponent passing percentage of 88.43, is 11th with a completion percentage of 51.5 and is first with 10 interceptions.

California has held all three of its FBS opponents under 200 yards. In the three wins in California, opponents had fewer than 100 passers. California opponents have only three TD passes this season. Forcing turnovers could be crucial for California against Miami.

Cam Ward has lost one fumble and thrown four interceptions this season. That included two interceptions and the only lost fumble this season in a 38-34 win over Virginia Tech last week. Ward has the second-highest passer rating by Pro Football Focus, is second nationally in passing yards and first with 18 touchdowns.

Ward is the first player in ACC history to throw for over 300 yards and three touchdowns in his first five games to start the season. Ward was named ACC QB of the Week three times in the first five weeks of the season. Ward threw for 697 yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions in games against California in 2022 and 2023.

California cornerback Nohl Williams is tied for the lead nationally with four interceptions and Marcus Harris is tied for 14th nationally with two interceptions. Miami wide receiver Xavier Restrepo leads the ACC with 422 receiving yards and is tied for the conference lead with five touchdown catches.

Ward distributes the ball to 16 different players who have receptions for Miami this season. Five different Miami players have at least 10 receptions and six have multiple touchdown catches. Harris and Williams are elite corners, but California will need more than they need to defend Ward and the Miami passing offense.

Miami used the pass to set up the run. This goes against traditional football and the way Mario Cristobal's teams have played throughout his career as a head coach. Miami needs Ward and Miami's passing offense to continue to be successful. California will be the toughest test this season.