Whittingham: Huntley Is ‘Playing His Best Football As A Ute’
Sep 25, 2019, 5:12 PM
Quarterback Tyler Huntley #1 of the Utah Utes drops back to pass during the first half of the college football game against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium on November 3, 2018 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Utah quarterback Tyler Huntley is “playing his best football as a Ute” according to Utes’ head coach Kyle Whittingham.
Huntley is one of 14 QBs in the country without an interception thrown this season.
During his weekly press conference, Whittingham praised Huntley’s play this season saying that he’s “a fierce competitor” and a “warrior.”
“He has prepared as well as any player we’ve had here for each game,” said Whittingham. “He has completely bought into Coach Ludwig’s coaching and doing the things that Andy wants him to do as far as his read progression, taking care of the football and putting it in good spots. His completion percentage right now is off the charts, it is in the top four or five in the nation.
Tyler Huntley with the best ball I've ever seen him throw. #Utes #UTAHvsUSC
— Jeremiah Jensen (@JJSportsBeat) September 21, 2019
Huntley is currently sixth in the nation in completion percentage at 76.2 percent. He is 11th in the country in passing efficiency with a rating of 177.00.
“He is just playing his best football as a Ute and he is our guy. He is our leader,” said Whittingham.
The Utah quarterback has thrown for five touchdowns and 812 yards in the first four games of the Utes’ 2019 schedule. Huntley has yet to throw an interception. He’s also accounted for 179 rushing yards and one TD on the ground.
Making Up For Moss
Huntley is currently without one of his top offensive weapons in running back, Zack Moss.
“In my opinion, he is the best back in the Pac-12 and I’ll stand by that,” said Whittingham.
Moss suffered a shoulder injury during the first half in the Utes’ loss to the USC Trojans on Friday, September 20. Moss is among the best running backs in the college football. He’s accounted for four touchdowns and nearly 400 yards on the ground this season.
Moss’ status for a return this season is unknown but Whittingham said the injury isn’t season-ending.
Zack Moss' injury is not season ending, according to @UtahCoachWhitt … @Utah_Football does not report injury status. "We just hope everyone is there"
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) September 23, 2019
“When you have a weapon like that taken away, it is certainly going to have an impact, but like I said after the game there are no excuses and you just have to have the next guy come in and pick up the slack as best he can. You have to modify your calls and your plan accordingly,” continued Whittingham.
Luckily for the Utes, their quarterback might be enough to pick up the slack.
Huntley’s numbers have been great this season and they’ll need to stay that way in order for Utah to maintain the success they’ve had during their 3-1 start while Moss is out.
Utah host the Washington State Cougars on Saturday, September 28 at 8 p.m. (MDT). The game is available on FS1 and 700 AM.
