Baylor’s matchup with FCS foe Long Island University last Saturday didn’t move the needle much during a packed slate of games, but it did have one unintended impact: putting the spotlight on LIU QB Chris Howell.
A clip of Howell, the Sharks’ freshman QB, using a very unorthodox throwing motion in the game has gone viral since Saturday’s 30–7 Baylor win. The left-hander uses a sweeping sidearm motion to throw his passes, but did produce some highlights in the process, including a 35-yard throw perfectly placed for receiver Aviyon Smith-Mack that has since set the internet ablaze.
Long Island QB Chris Howell has the greatest throwing motion I've ever seen pic.twitter.com/zardDbNeRr
— Colton Denning (@Dubsco) September 18, 2023
Howell’s funky delivery wasn’t so effective the rest of the way. He attempted just nine other passes, completing only three of them for a total of six yards outside of the 35-yarder shown above. Fans found Howell’s passing form hilarious, and the jokes on social media were as good as you would expect.
in nba terms: shawn marion shooting a jumper https://t.co/Gaybb7HBXj
— Jack Byrnes (@JackByrnes19) September 19, 2023
I've been laughing at this all day. It's like he's throwing a custard pie at someone 60 yards away. Just absolutely wild that he generates that much ball speed from a throwing motion even Phil Rivers would call messy. https://t.co/3pR7TIKOAC
— Ryan (@RyanWatkins20) September 19, 2023
Springfield QB Marge Simpson has the greatest throwing motion I’ve ever seen https://t.co/gOUKhtaV21 pic.twitter.com/QheYHzc7kl
— “Downtown” Threaddy Brown (@TheRealtsch) September 19, 2023
He’s got the delivery of a lefty submarine relief pitcher. (We thank you for all the numerous tags) https://t.co/mX1mOZoR8e
— Sickos Committee (@SickosCommittee) September 19, 2023
he's qb1 in 2024 i don't even care what his draft eligibility situation is https://t.co/HgvyRN3JvC
— Bill DiFilippo (@billdifilippo) September 19, 2023
This man is softball pitching a go route https://t.co/3PSc7wVPWG
— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) September 19, 2023
If nothing else, Howell provided some shine for a moribund LIU program that is just 8–30 in its five seasons competing at the Division I level.
