Sam Howell
FILE - In this Nov. 7, 2020, file photo, Clemson quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei looks for a receiver during the first quarter against Notre Dame in an NCAA college football game in South Bend, Ind. The Atlantic Coast Conference's top offenses should be right back in the flow next season. There will just be some new faces at North Carolina and Clemson that will be piling up the yards. (Matt Cashore/Pool Photo via AP, File)
Top two ACC offenses look to new faces to keep humming

By Pete Iacobelli Apr. 26, 2021 12:14 PM EDT

North Carolina quarterback Sam Howell (7) has replaced his last name with 'Peace" on the back of his game jersey as he warms up for the Tar Heels' game against Notre Dame on Saturday, November 27, 2020 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Several players has done the same, choosing other messages for this particular game. (Robert Willett/The News & Observer via AP)
Miami, North Carolina bring QB star power into Saturday

By Tim Reynolds Dec. 11, 2020 06:32 PM EST

North Carolina coach Mack Brown argues with the official after an interception by Wake Forest defense back Ja'Sir Taylor (6) in the second quarter at Kenan Stadium on Saturday, November 14, 2020 in Chapel Hill, N.C.(Robert Willett/The News & Observer via AP)
Tar Heels step out of ACC play to face Western Carolina

By Aaron Beard Dec. 03, 2020 09:00 AM EST

FILE- In this Oct. 10, 2020, file photo, North Carolina head coach Mack Brown laughs with the television crew as he prepares to do an interview prior to the Tar Heels' NCAA college football game against Virginia Tech at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Brown's 25th-ranked Tar Heels host No. 2 Notre Dame on Friday. (Robert Willett/The News & Observer via AP)
No. 2 Notre Dame, No. 25 UNC meet in ACC headliner this week

By Aaron Beard Nov. 26, 2020 04:01 AM EST

Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) makes a catch against Kentucky defensive back Brandin Echols (26) during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (Mickey Welsh/The Montgomery Advertiser via AP)
College football picks: Football feast missing some dishes

By Ralph D. Russo Nov. 25, 2020 01:56 AM EST

North Carolina defensive back Trey Morrison (4) celebrates after running the ball back on an interception of a two-point conversion attempt by Boston College during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
AP Top 25 Reality Check: ACC milestone with 4 top-10 teams

By Ralph D. Russo Oct. 05, 2020 02:39 AM EDT

North Carolina quarterback Sam Howell (7) slides under Syracuse's Mikel Jones (13) after a short gain in the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 12, 2020, in Chapel Hill, N.C. (Robert Willett/The News & Observer via AP, Pool)
'Mini-offseason' over as No. 12 Tar Heels return against BC

By Jimmy Golen Oct. 01, 2020 01:18 PM EDT

Syracuse quarterback Tommy DeVito (13) looks for running room against North Carolina's Eugene Asanti (7) during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 12, 2020 in Chapel Hill, N.C. (Robert Willett/The News & Observer via AP, Pool)
Williams' 3 TDs help No. 18 UNC pull away from Syracuse 31-6

By Aaron Beard Sep. 12, 2020 03:28 PM EDT

FILE - North Carolina quarterback Sam Howell throws a touchdown pass to wide receiver Dyami Brown during the first half of the Military Bowl NCAA college football game against Temple, Friday, Dec. 27, 2019, in Annapolis, Md. No. 18 North Carolina has plenty of hype with quarterback Sam Howell leading an offense full of returning playmakers for Mack Brown's second season. The Tar Heels open Saturday against Syracuse with a chance to prove the hype is deserved. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File)
No. 18 Tar Heels open season against Orange in ACC matchup

By Aaron Beard Sep. 10, 2020 02:48 PM EDT

FILE - In this Nov. 14, 2019, file photo, North Carolina head coach Mack Brown stands on the sideline during an NCAA college football game against Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh. The Tar Heels are No. 18 to start the season and have 10 returning starters back on offense. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic, File)
Tar Heels aim to build on solid start to Brown's tenure

By Aaron Beard Sep. 01, 2020 04:56 PM EDT

FILE - In this Dec. 28, 2019, file photo, Clemson coach Dabo Swinney watches players warm up for the team's Fiesta Bowl NCAA college football playoff semifinal against Ohio State in Glendale, Ariz. The top-ranked Tigers are 29-1 over the past two seasons and have won five straight ACC championships. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)
No. 10 Notre Dame joins ACC race to unseat No. 1 Clemson

By Aaron Beard Sep. 01, 2020 11:41 AM EDT

FILE - In this Oct. 12, 2019, file photo, Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) reacts after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Florida State, in Clemson, S.C. Clemson is preseason No. 1 in The Associated Press Top 25, Monday, Aug. 24, 2020. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro, File)
AP Top 25 Reality Check: Hoping for best amid uncertainty

By Ralph D. Russo Aug. 25, 2020 02:49 AM EDT