Pac-12 Analyst: Huntley Should Be In Heisman Conversation
Oct 17, 2019, 1:18 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 Utes quarterback Tyler Huntley is playing his best football at this point in the season. Pac-12 Networks analyst Yogi Roth believes he should be in the conversation for College Football’s most prestigious award – the Heisman.
“I think it is time to start talking about him going to New York City (as a Heisman finalist),” Roth said on the Crimson Corner podcast. “Especially if they come out of this weekend with a win and then they keep rolling, why not? If he had an Alabama jersey on, he would (be a finalist), if Utah wasn’t known for their defense he would. If he was at USC, he would. So, what’s that about? That’s BS in my opinion. My reality is saying that he is playing like one of the best players in the country.”
Huntley is currently ranked fifth in the country in quarterback rating (187.6) and third in completion percentage (75.6 percent). He is also the only quarterback from a power-five school that hasn’t thrown an interception this season.
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The last Utah player that was a Heisman Trophy Finalist was quarterback Alex Smith in 2004.
Dealing with injuries the last two seasons, Huntley is healthy and poised to lead the Utes to their second straight Pac-12 South Division title and hopefully their first Pac-12 Conference Championship. Roth has noticed that Huntley has taken the next step in his development, but didn’t expect him to play at this high of a level.
“No, I didn’t,” Roth said. “To me, he is no longer playing catch. He is playing quarterback.”
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The Pac-12 Networks analyst had high expectations for the Utes entering the season and through six games, those expectations haven’t changed.
“They are right on schedule,” Roth stated. “I had them going to to the College Football Playoff. I think they are legit.”
The Crimson Corner podcast is the one-stop for all things University of Utah Athletics hosted by Utah insider Trevor Allen. Ute fans will find interviews with current players, coaches and staff alongside expert analysis of every game, story and angle coming out of the University of Utah.
You can check out the full interview with Yogi Roth below.
No. 13 Utah will host No. 17 Arizona State on Saturday at 4 p.m. The game will be televised on the Pac-12 Network.
