North Carolina's 2021 season opener didn't go according to plan for Sam Howell.
The quarterback, who's considered one of the top signal-callers in college football, struggled during Virginia Tech's shocking 17-10 win over the No. 10-ranked Tar Heels on Friday night.
"We just made a lot of mistakes, and I feel like I was trying to do too much at times," Howell said postgame, according to Lauren Brownlow of 99.9 The Fan.
"My team deserves better from me, and I'm going to give it to them," added Howell, who went 17-of-32 passing for just 208 yards and one touchdown against three interceptions. One of those picks came with only 32 seconds left in the fourth quarter during a potential game-tying drive.
"I think our defense played well enough for us to win the football game," Howell said.
Both defenses were strong for most of the night, but Virginia Tech's front four dominated North Carolina's offensive line while pressuring Howell constantly. The Hokies finished the contest with six sacks and nine tackles for a loss.
Howell entered Friday's clash with the fifth-best odds to win the Heisman Trophy.
Sophomore wide receiver Josh Downs led the way for the Tar Heels, racking up 123 yards and one touchdown on eight receptions. His 37-yard score in the third quarter was Howell's 69th career touchdown pass at North Carolina, setting a school record.
On the other side, Braxton Burmeister helped Virginia Tech start the season with a victory while tossing for 169 yards and one touchdown against one interception on 12-of-19 passing. He also rushed for 42 yards and one score.
