College football Week 10 – Sam Howell vs. No. 9 Wake Forest, GameDay at No. 6 Cincy and more

Among the year’s most baffling college football storylines is the disappointing results from many of the preseason’s Heisman hopefuls. Spencer Rattler was benched. D.J. Uiagalelei has struggled mightily. D’Eriq King got hurt. JT Daniels has barely played.

And North Carolina’s Sam Howell — he’s disappointed, too, right?

That seems to be the narrative anyway, particularly given the Tar Heels’ 4-4 record. They were ranked 10th in the preseason, and now they’ll need to beat No. 9 Wake Forest to get above .500. Surely that’s on the QB.

“I’m more impressed with him this year than last year,” Wake coach Dave Clawson said.

The numbers support Clawson’s take, too.

Through eight games in 2020, Howell had 2,868 total yards, 26 TDs, 42 plays of 20 yards or more and a Total QBR of 76.8.

Through eight games this season, the numbers are nearly identical: 2,967 yards, 25 TDs, 41 plays of 20 or more and a Total QBR of 76.4.

What’s different is Howell is doing much of the damage by sheer force of will. Last year, UNC featured a pair of 1,000-yard running backs in Javonte Williams and Michael Carter, and two NFL receivers in Dyami Brown and Dazz Newsome. All departed after 2020, while remaining veterans Beau Corrales (injury) and Khafre Brown (transfer) haven’t helped fill the void.

“He’s been outstanding,” Miami coach Manny Diaz said of Howell. “With the exodus of elite talent they had last year, he is leading them almost single-handed.”

So why has all the preseason buzz around Howell disappeared?

“Once a Heisman candidate loses,” UNC offensive coordinator Phil Longo said, “it’s over.”

If the rest of the country has decided to ignore Howell’s production, Clawson and the Wake Forest defense certainly haven’t. Indeed, Howell’s ability to run the ball presents the Deacons with a whole new set of challenges.

While Howell hardly looks the part of a dual-threat QB, he’s topped 90 yards on the ground five times this season already. Remove lost sack yardage, and Howell is the…