A Hobbled Tyler Huntley Took Down Washington

Tyler Huntley just continues stacking strong performances week after week. pic.twitter.com/GMKdiDOPJ1 — PFF College (@PFF_College) November 6, 2019

It’s unbelievable what Tyler Huntley is doing this season. Against Washington (at Washington), Huntley made play after play. His 85.0 PFF grade and 139.6 Clean Passer Rating show this. Moreover, Huntley was incredible on third down.

Tyler Huntley on 3rd down today: 8-9, 143 yards, 1 TD, 7-10 first down conversions



3rd and 4, incomplete

3rd and 10, 31 yds

3rd and 21, 11 yds

3rd and 8, 9 yd TD pass

3rd and 6, 11 yds

3rd and 5, 2 yds

3rd and 3, 12 yd rush

3rd and 12, 41 yds

3rd and 8, 14 yds

3rd and 6, 23 yds — Avinash Kunnath (@avinashkunnath) November 2, 2019

Even with Zack Moss averaging 3.7 yards-per-carry, it didn’t matter. Because Tyler Huntley proved he could take over a game. And he did it all on an injured leg!

Leading the Utes to a come-back win against the Huskies solidifies his position at the top of Pac-12 quarterbacks.

Tyler Huntley’s Efficiency

This 2019 season, the Pac-12 has a host of talented quarterbacks. Justin Herbert is currently projected to get drafted in the first round of the 2020 NFL draft. Additionally, Jacob Eason earned praise for his NFL arm-strength and Anthony Gordon leads the FBS in passing yards and passing touchdowns. It’s an excellent year for Pac-12 quarterbacks. However, based off the metrics, it is actually Tyler Huntley that is currently the top Pac-12 quarterback.

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Tyler Huntley’s Impressive Passer Ratings

While Tyler Huntley ranks 30th in passing yards (2,062) and 64th in passing touchdowns (11), his efficiency is off the charts! Currently, Tyler Huntley leads all Pac-12 quarterbacks in Passing Efficiency Rating (182.5), NFL Passer Rating (124.6) and ESPN’s QBR (96.0). His 182.5 Passing Efficiency Rating ranks 5th among qualified FBS quarterbacks. After watching Utah Utes games and pouring over stats, Huntley’s accuracy is phenomenal. This is NFL-level precision.

Touchdown to Interception Ratio

As said above, Huntley has just 11 passing touchdowns this season. But, he’s only thrown one interception. Additionally, Huntley carried the ball into the end zone four times. His 11-1 touchdown to interception ratio is great, especially considering his four rushing scores.

He’s not a game manager

Whether on broadcasts or Twitter, Tyler Huntley’s been labeled a “game manager”. Because of his lower counting stats (yards and touchdowns), combined with Utah’s defensive and rushing prowess, it’s an easy judgment to make. Though easy, it’s inaccurate.

Game managers don’t let the ball fly like Huntley. They keep passes short and safe. Yes, he doesn’t throw the ball as often as other college quarterbacks. But, when he does, he isn’t afraid to take shots. His 10.8 yards-per-attempt and 11.7 adjusted yards-per-attempt both rank fourth in the nation. No other Pac-12 quarterback tops him in either of those categories.

Should Tyler Huntley be in the Heisman Conversation?

The fans have spoken…Tyler Huntley, a senior from the University of @Utah_Football, has been selected as the week-ten Manning Award Quarterback of the Week. https://t.co/N6O6qG064a pic.twitter.com/MyDurHoplh — Allstate Sugar Bowl (@SugarBowlNola) November 7, 2019

So, in review, Tyler Huntley ranks higher than all other Pac-12 quarterbacks in:

Passing Efficiency Rating

NFL Passer Rating

ESPN’s QBR

Yards-Per-Attempt

Adjusted Yards-Per-Attempt

It’s time to give Tyler Huntley the reigns of the Utah Utes offense. Let him show Pac-12 and the rest of college football what he’s made of. He’s already proven that he can be efficient and productive when called upon. Huntley, even with a bum-leg, can carry his team. If he leads his team to a Pac-12 title and college football playoffs, he has to be in the conversation.

Huntley is accurate, efficient, impressive and leads a strong offense. He’s an elite college quarterback and should be treated as such.