UNC’s Sam Howell or Wake Forest’s Sam Hartman: Which QB would you rather have?
Each week, we’ll look at one key aspect of a game, and give you the chance to sound off. Today’s poll is: Who would you rather have as your quarterback: North Carolina’s Sam Howell or Wake Forest’s Sam Hartman? You can vote as many times as you’d like.
Here’s the breakdown:
North Carolina quarterback Sam Howell was touted as a Heisman Trophy contender before the season, but his candidacy faded fast as the Tar Heels stumbled to a 4-4 record.
Wake Forest quarterback Sam Hartman isn’t really talked about much nationally, but has led the No. 10 Demon Deacons (8-0) to its best start in program history and a current spot at No. 9 in the College Football Playoff poll.
Hartman was also named in the final 10 for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, presented to the best quarterback in college football. And he’s one of 15 semifinalists for the Maxwell Award, which is presented to the best all-around player in college football.
“Their Sam Hartman is fun to watch, he’s like our Sam,” UNC coach Mack Brown said. “For fans, it’ll be a real treat to see two of the best quarterbacks in college football on Saturday and watch them compete. They’re both very accurate, they both can run. They’re both leaders. They’re both great young people. So it’ll be fun to watch.”
Howell didn’t make either list, but he is ranked third in total offense in the ACC, averaging 348 total yards per game. Hartman is ranked fourth at 335 yards per game. Hartman leads the league in passing efficiency, where Howell is ranked fourth. Hartman is third in the league in passing yards per game with a 309-yard average. Howell is fourth in the ACC while averaging 274 yards per game.
Howell has been a much more effective runner this season, amassing three games with 100 yards or more rushing and a total of 594 yards. Hartman has just 207 rushing yards this season.
The two seem interchangeable in many respects, right down to their initials. It’s no surprise that while they compete on the field, they’re cool off of it.
“I love Sam, he’s a good friend of mine, we work out together sometimes,” Howell said. “He’s an awesome player. I’m so happy for him and and the season he’s having. So it’s been super fun to watch and I pull for him every single week except for this one.”
So, who’ve you got?
This story was originally published November 5, 2021 at 5:20 AM with the headline "UNC’s Sam Howell or Wake Forest’s Sam Hartman: Which QB would you rather have?."