Sam Howell the best bowl game QB? South Carolina has something to say about that
On Wednesday, Pro Football Focus lead draft analyst Mike Renner released his list of best bowl performances by NFL prospects. That grouping included North Carolina’s Sam Howell for PFF’s choice as top quarterback, which didn’t sit well with some South Carolina players and fans.
Gamecocks receiver — and bowl game quarterback — Dakereon Joyner replied to the PFF tweet with the crying-laughing emoji, a response that was liked over 1,000 times.
Gamecocks tight end Jaheim Bell commented on the graphic from PFF, a college football and NFL analytics-based website, saying, “how is sam howell on here??? our defense shut him down yu guys are hilarious.”
Howell went 12-for-20 passing with one touchdown for 205 yards but was sacked four times against the Gamecocks in the 38-21 Duke’s Mayo Bowl loss.
Joyner, who was a high school star at quarterback, started the bowl at QB for the Gamecocks, went 9-for-9 passing for 160 yards and a touchdown, and was named the game’s Most Valuable Player.
Multiple Gamecocks fans commented on the PFF tweet, saying Joyner should’ve been included on the list instead of Howell. The “Best performances by prospects in bowls” list featured players who have declared for the NFL Draft.
Joyner, a redshirt junior in the 2021 season, has his USC degree and is expected to return to the Gamecocks for 2022. He has not suggested otherwise but has not publicly commented about his future.
Joyner was also the Gamecocks’ second-leading rusher in the Mayo Bowl behind Kevin Harris (182 yards) with 64 yards on 10 carries.
