Sam Howell Knows Notre Dame Presents Opportunity For UNC Program
Notre Dame coming to town is a big deal, but it's even more significant when the Fighting Irish are ranked No. 2 in the country.
North Carolina will get to host the Irish on Friday afternoon and quarterback Sam Howell will be ready.
"We definitely understand this is a big opportunity for our team and it's a tremendous challenge from a team like Notre Dame," Howell said on Sunday. "We know the impact a win like this can have on a program. It's definitely a game we want to win and we're going to put in all the work.
"We're blessed to be where we are and blessed to have the opportunity against a team like Notre Dame. They're a really good team and a historic program. We definitely have to give it our all and play our A-game to have a chance to win."
North Carolina's A-game is dangerous as the Tar Heels boast one of the nation's top offenses in 2020.
Fighting Irish fans have raved about Tommy Rees' offense that has averaged 462 yards per game this fall. North Carolina averages 563 yards per game, which is fairly insane.
For comparison's sake, let's look at a few individual players.
Ian Book: 134-for-216, 1,818 yards, 11 touchdowns and one interception
Kyren Williams: 137 carries, 777 yards and 10 touchdowns
Sam Howell: 168-for-248, 2,631 yards, 23 touchdowns and six interceptions
Javonte Williams: 120 carries, 868 yards and 15 touchdowns
Michael Carter: 116 carries, 807 yards and four touchdowns.
The Tar Heels haven't seen a defense like Notre Dame's this season, but Howell believes his offense can score enough to upset the Irish.
"We have a lot of confidence we can score as many points as it takes to win," stated Howell. "We're going to have a really good plan and we have some really talented players on offense. I like the way we've been playing the last couple of weeks."
The sophomore quarterback is already aware of one player he'll have to watch out for in safety Kyle Hamilton, who drew some comparisons to former Clemson star Isaiah Simmons.
"I think they have similar frames and similar body types," Howell explained. "They're both do it all players. They both can play whatever position they really want on defense. You definitely feel the impact of both of those players. I haven't played against Kyle yet, but he's a really good player.
"He's someone we have to prepare for and I'm looking forward to the opportunity to compete with players like that. They have great players all over their team and all over their defense."
Friday afternoon will be a big one as Notre Dame looks to make a run at the ACC Championship Game and North Carolina could use a signature win under second-year head coach Mack Brown.
"We definitely understand the weight this game holds with an opponent like Notre Dame," said Howell. "From a preparation standpoint, it's really the same thing. We have a plan that we do every single week. I personally have my own plan on how I attack every single day during a game week. I try to prepare as much as I can.
"The emotions are probably a little bit higher because we're playing a team like Notre Dame. They deserve all the respect they've been given. It's a great challenge for our team and I'm excited to see how we hold up against them."