Is Tyler Huntley the best QB in the Pac-12

Huntley is having a season for the ages in leading the Utes to a top-10 ranking

Entering the 2019 college football season, all of the focus in the Pac-12 was on Oregon's Justin Herbert. Herbert, who was considered a potential No. 1 overall pick in last year's NFL draft, spurred the professional money for one more chance at glory in an Oregon uniform.

Apart from Herbert, there was a lot of hype surrounding Washington transfer Jacob Eason, Arizona State's fab freshman Jayden Daniels, the resurgence of Arizona's Khalil Tate, Washington State's Anthony Gordon and USC's J.T. Daniels. Any one of those five were predicted at being the second-best quarterback in the conference.

Oddly enough, nowhere listed was Utah's Tyler Huntley, despite him returning this season as a three-year starter and having led the No. 8 Utes to the Pac-12 championship game less than a year ago. But now, there is no more debate as to whether Huntley is cracking the top-5 of Pac-12 quarterback supremacy, there's reason enough to consider him, along with Herbert, as the best QB's in the conference.

Huntley spent this past summer doing three things; 1.) Getting healthy after injury problems plagued his previous two season 2.) Diving deeper into the playbook and 3.) Putting on 20 pounds of pure muscle. 

It's safe to say the offseason has paid off, as Huntley leads the Pac-12 in QBR (182.46, which ranks 5th nationally), completion percentage (73.8-percent, which ranks 5th nationally) and yards per attempt (10.8, which ranks 3rd nationally). Also, his 11:1 TD-to-INT ration is second in the Pac-12, behind Herbert's 12:1. It should also be noted that Huntley's current QBR would set the conference single-season record, beating Oregon's Marcus Mariota during his Heisman season in 2014.

For as long a she's been the Utes starter, Huntley has been labeled nothing more than a "game-manager" on TV broadcasts or social media. Yes his stats lack total production, as Utah also relies on a strong running game led by Zack Moss and a ferocious defense, Huntley is now a game-changer. 

Game managers don’t throw with the accuracy and distance like Huntley does. They typically keep passes short and to the outside, just to keep momentum. Huntley has no problem airing the ball out or throwing receivers open, as evidenced by his adjusted 11.7 yards per attempt, 4th best in the nation.

While Huntley's throwing stats are impressive, his ability to extend plays and drives with his legs is what sets him apart from others. He has run for 235 yards on the season with four scores, showing his dual-threat capabilities. Just ask Washington, arguably the top defense in the Pac-12 North division, who Huntley dismantled throwing the ball while adding another score on the ground.

Another Saturday.

Another @Utah_Football victory. 🙌 #Pac12FB pic.twitter.com/4XnZNWEhbh

— Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) November 2, 2019

With Huntley and the Utes sitting atop the South Division, a potential showdown with Herbert and the Ducks in the Pac-12 championship game looms — and that is where we shall find out who truly reigns supreme in the Pac-12 quarterback battle.