Cameron Ward and the Washington State Cougars were on a bye week last weekend and perhaps a few folks have forgotten about his four-game start to the year.

On Saturday against UCLA — with Oregon’s Bo Nix and Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. on bye weeks of their own — Ward has a chance to capture the nation’s attention again. If the unbeaten and 13th-ranked Cougars can go on the road and beat the nation’s best defense, it’ll be another bullet on the résumé for Ward.

During the Big Noon Kickoff pregame show Saturday on FOX, former Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Matt Leinart said Ward is building a Heisman case for himself.

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“It’s time to give the Cougars some love,” Leinart said. “The Pac-12 is the deepest conference in the country. There’s a lot of really good football teams. I don’t know if they’re in that top tier, but they’ve got a couple of good wins against Wisconsin, against Oregon State. The head coach, Jake Dickert, has done a great job.

“But they have a Heisman Trophy candidate at quarterback that no one is giving love to. Cam Ward is the real deal. He’s one of the best players in the country. A lot of love to Caleb (Williams) and Michael Penix (Jr.) but I’m telling you, this (Washington State) offense is outstanding. The defense is going to improve every single week. I like Washington State, man. I think they’ve got a shot to upset some people in the Pac-12.”

Ward has been fabulous to begin the season. He has yet to turn the football over. Meanwhile, he has 13 touchdowns and has been the Pac-12’s third-most efficient passer. He’s averaging 9.9 yards per pass and completing his attempts at a 74.5% clip.

Against UCLA, he’ll face college football’s stingiest defense. The Bruins rank first nationally in defensive efficiency, giving up just 3.8 yards per play.

UCLA is among the Pac-12’s ranked teams, but a big performance against what has quickly become a respected defense would surely thrust Ward into the “top players in college football this season” conversation.