North Carolina’s 31-20 loss to Clemson proved costly for Sam Howell.
The Washington Commanders quarterback showed up to Tuesday’s press conference wearing an orange Tigers hoodie. The former Tar Heels star explained that he lost a bet.
Howell called it an “unfortunate situation” and said he was in “a lot” of pain wearing Clemson’s colors.
#Commanders QB Sam Howell had to wear a Clemson hoodie to his press conference today because he lost a bet following UNC’s loss to Clemson on Saturday.
“This is an unfortunate situation.” pic.twitter.com/dz9aE61J5u
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 21, 2023
Sam Howell on having to wear a Clemson sweatshirt: “It’s unfortunate.”
UNC lost to Clemson, 31-20, on Saturday. pic.twitter.com/701RIfYYwY
— Sam Fortier (@Sam4TR) November 21, 2023
Howell lost his only game against Clemson in 2019. Four years later, the Tar Heels committed 10 penalties, lost three turnovers, and allowed 247 rushing yards Saturday.
The fifth-round pick didn’t fare any better than his alma mater over the weekend. Howell threw three interceptions, and the Commanders also lost three fumbles in a 31-19 loss to the New York Giants.
“When you turn the ball over that many times, you’re not going to win games,” Howell said after the game, per The Associated Press. “It starts with me. I’ve got to do a better job taking care of the football. I didn’t give my team a chance to win.”
Washington fell to 4-7 after their second loss to the 3-8 Giants. Yet Howell has an NFL-leading 3,038 passing yards in his first full season as an NFL starter. He’s tossed 18 touchdowns to 12 picks.
On the bright side, the Commanders made it less likely their NFC East rivals can draft Tar Heels quarterback Drake Maye next year.
Howell and the Commanders will go to Dallas to face the Cowboys on Thursday. The Cowboys are double-digit favorites, so he probably shouldn’t place any friendly wagers on his team pulling off a Thanksgiving upset.