SEATTLE — As usual, Utah quarterback Tyler Huntley insists all is well. Despite being hobbled in a 21-3 win over Arizona State and playing just one half in last week’s 35-0 victory against California, the senior plans to be on the field when the ninth-ranked Utes take on Washington Saturday at Husky Stadium.
“I’m good,” said Huntley, who agreed with Utah coach Kyle Whittingham’s assessment that last week’s scenario that included both action and rest was beneficial. Taking fewer hits was obviously good in getting ready to face the Huskies.
“He’s as tough a quarterback, as tough a football player as I’ve ever been around.” — Utah offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig, on Tyler Huntley
Huntley said he “definitely” has the mobility to get the job done this weekend. As successful as the offense has been, though, there’s room for improvement.
“We should be scoring every time we touch the field,” Huntley said. “So there’s a lot to improve on.”
Citing his love for the game, Huntley is determined to play each week.
He got banged up in the loss to USC earlier this season and bounced back the next week to excel in a lopsided win over Washington State.
“He’s as tough a quarterback, as tough a football player as I’ve ever been around,” said Utah offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig. “And you appreciate it, the work that he puts in in rehab and taking care of himself is commendable. He loves football and he loves the Utes. He wants to do everything he can to help us win.”
Huntley, who is fifth in ESPN’s Total QBR nationally and leads the Pac-12 in completion percentage (.731), pass efficiency (181.0 rating) and yards per pass attempts (10.65), certainly has the attention of Washington coach Chris Petersen this week.
“Where I think he’s really underrated is that he does a great job in the pocket. Like all scrambling quarterbacks, they can run and break your back. Where I see him doing a really good job is in the pocket. He’s slippery in the pocket, and he stays in the pocket until he can’t,” Petersen said. “Just watching the tape this year, that’s where I see him being effective. A lot of times, those scrambling guys want to get out of there and run because they can get yards. I think he has a nice balance of hanging in there and working the pocket until he needs to go.”
Petersen added that “sometimes they get their hands on him and he still gets out of it and gets the ball off.”
Huntley is seeking his 20th win in 28 starts. He’s joined Alex Smith and Travis Wilson as the only Utah quarterbacks to top 5,000 yards passing and 1,000 yards rushing in their careers.