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The Arms Race QB Video Series: Sam Howell vs. D’Eriq King

I had this matchup red circled during the beginning of the year. Sam Howell is the ACC passing leader and D’Eriq King is the Miami Monarch. When the North Carolina Tar Heels face off vs. the Miami Hurricanes this Saturday one thing is for sure, high level quarterback play will take center stage.

Western Carolina v North Carolina Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images

Yes. Sam Howell is the ACC leader in passing. The 2019 Freshman All-American leads a high octane offense for the Tar Heels who average a staggering 534 total yards a game. UNC is number one in conference in terms of total offense and number two, only behind Clemson, in scoring offense. Howell is the key cog in this.

The 6’0 225 pound quarterback has an undeniable aura about him as he carves up defenses on a week to week basis. Howell is no stranger to the deep ball and Tar Heel offensive coordinator Phil Longo isn’t shy about putting his gunslinger in prime position to strike.

Here you will see Notre Dame try to look like a pre snap high cover 2 only to drop down safeties and attach to slot receivers. No issues. Sam Howell can identify the coverage and find a streaking perfectly called post route one on one and beat the cornerback for a big play.

D’Eriq King has been as advertised leading the Miami Hurricanes enroute to an 8-1 record. Posting a 20 touchdown vs. 4 interception clip, King has also added the extra dynamic of a run threat to Miami’s offense and has 467 rushing yards to his credit. (Howell has 116)

Here you will see both King and Howell with the penchant for processing more than just the first read. Both quarterbacks will force defenses in a bind when they simply stay in the pocket and decide to become pure passers.

This Arms Race will be close. What will the determining factor be when finding out who wins this week? If it’s passing yards, QBR, touchdown to interception clip or completion % then Howell is the guy. How can D’Eriq King keep his seat as the Arm Race champ? Grab your popcorn and pencils and let’s go find out. #qb1 #gocanes