UNC Football: Sam Howell’s Heisman odds take massive hit
By Zack Pearson
UNC Football fans may have to retire the phrase “Heisman Howell” at least for a few weeks this season.
Quarterback Sam Howell entered this season with legit Heisman trophy hopes as the junior will very likely bolt to the NFL when this season is over with. But Howell didn’t get off to an ideal start and he followed a trend for most quarterbacks that were in the running.
Howell completed 17 of 32 attempts for 208 yards, 1 touchdown and 3 interceptions in UNC’s loss to Virginia Tech on Friday. It wasn’t a great performance and truthfully, he didn’t receive much help from his receivers either.
Nonetheless, Howell saw his Heisman trophy odds take a massive hit following the performance.
Per WynnBet, Howell’s odds to win the Heisman are now at +5000 which is down from his opening odds of +1500 to start the season. His odds to be invited to New York as a Top 3 finalist are also at +1500 which is down as well.
Howell is behind Bryce Young (+350), Spencer Rattler (+600), Matt Corral (+1000), CJ Stroud (+1200), JT Daniels (+1500), Bijan Robinson (+2000), DJ Uiagalelei (+2000), Desmond Ridder (+2500), Kedon Slovis (+3000), Brock Purdy (+4000), Dorian Thompson-Robinson (+4000), and Emory Jones (+4000). His +5000 odds are right there with Miami’s D’Eriq King and Jayden Daniels of Arizona State.
The good news is that there is still a long ways to go in this season and Howell does have time to make up some ground. But he really needs to improve on his play and string together some great performances to have any chance at pulling it off. The focus is week-to-week for Howell and the Tar Heels after the disappointing start.
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For more on the UNC Football program and Howell, please make sure to check back with Keeping It Heel.