(Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Utes quarterback Tyler Huntley (1) gets frustrated as he talks with teammates during third quarter of the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium Saturday, October 21, 2017. Arizona State Sun Devils defeated Utah Utes 30-10. (Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Utes quarterback Tyler Huntley (1) yells at photographers for taking his picture as he walks off of the field after the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium Saturday, October 21, 2017. Arizona State Sun Devils defeated Utah Utes 30-10. (Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Utes walk off of the field after the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium Saturday, October 21, 2017. Arizona State Sun Devils defeated Utah Utes 30-10. (Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Utes quarterback Troy Williams (3) walks on the sidelines during the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium Saturday, October 21, 2017. (Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Utes sing 'Utah Man' after the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium Saturday, October 21, 2017. Arizona State Sun Devils defeated Utah Utes 30-10. (Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Utes quarterback Tyler Huntley (1) and his teammates gather before the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium Saturday, October 21, 2017. (Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Utes quarterback Tyler Huntley (1) and his teammates gather before the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium Saturday, October 21, 2017. (Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Utes quarterback Tyler Huntley (1) and his teammates huddle before the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium Saturday, October 21, 2017. (Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Utes quarterback Tyler Huntley (1) warms up before the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium Saturday, October 21, 2017. (Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Utes quarterback Tyler Huntley (1) warms up before the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium Saturday, October 21, 2017. (Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Utes quarterback Troy Williams (3) warms up before the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium Saturday, October 21, 2017. (Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune) Arizona State Sun Devils defensive back Chase Lucas (24) intercepts the ball intended for Utah Utes wide receiver Darren Carrington II (9) during the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium Saturday, October 21, 2017. (Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune) Arizona State Sun Devils defensive back Chase Lucas (24) intercepts the ball intended for Utah Utes wide receiver Darren Carrington II (9) during the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium Saturday, October 21, 2017. (Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Utes quarterback Tyler Huntley (1) during the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium Saturday, October 21, 2017. (Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune) Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Manny Wilkins (5) throws the ball during the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium Saturday, October 21, 2017. (Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Utes running back Zack Moss (2) is tackled by Arizona State Sun Devils defensive back Chad Adams (21) during the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium Saturday, October 21, 2017. (Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune) Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver N'Keal Harry (1) is tackled by Utah Utes defensive back Marquise Blair (13) during the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium Saturday, October 21, 2017. (Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune) Arizona State Sun Devils place kicker Brandon Ruiz (1) kicks a field goal during the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium Saturday, October 21, 2017. (Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Utes quarterback Tyler Huntley (1) falls to the ground during the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium Saturday, October 21, 2017. (Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Utes tight end Harrison Handley (88) runs the ball during the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium Saturday, October 21, 2017. (Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Utes quarterback Tyler Huntley (1) remains on the ground after being tackled during the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium Saturday, October 21, 2017. (Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Utes quarterback Tyler Huntley (1) during the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium Saturday, October 21, 2017. (Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Utes quarterback Tyler Huntley (1) during the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium Saturday, October 21, 2017. (Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Utes quarterback Tyler Huntley (1) is tackled by Arizona State Sun Devils defensive lineman JoJo Wicker (1) during the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium Saturday, October 21, 2017. (Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Utes quarterback Tyler Huntley (1) runs the ball during the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium Saturday, October 21, 2017. (Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham watches during the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium Saturday, October 21, 2017. (Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Utes quarterback Tyler Huntley (1) runs the ball during the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium Saturday, October 21, 2017. (Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Utes quarterback Tyler Huntley (1) looks to pass the ball during the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium Saturday, October 21, 2017. (Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Utes running back Zack Moss (2) runs past Arizona State Sun Devils linebacker Christian Sam (2) during the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium Saturday, October 21, 2017. (Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune) A fan dances with Swoop during the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium Saturday, October 21, 2017. (Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune) Arizona State Sun Devils running back Demario Richard (4) runs past Utah Utes defensive end Bradlee Anae (6) during the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium Saturday, October 21, 2017. (Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Utes quarterback Tyler Huntley (1) hands off to Utah Utes running back Zack Moss (2) during the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium Saturday, October 21, 2017. (Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune) An Arizona State fan cheers after a touchdown during the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium Saturday, October 21, 2017. (Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Utes quarterback Tyler Huntley (1) hands off to Utah Utes running back Zack Moss (2) during the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium Saturday, October 21, 2017. (Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Utes quarterback Tyler Huntley (1) gets frustrated as he talks with teammates during third quarter of the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium Saturday, October 21, 2017. Arizona State Sun Devils defeated Utah Utes 30-10. (Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Utes quarterback Tyler Huntley (1) gets frustrated as he talks with teammates during third quarter of the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium Saturday, October 21, 2017. Arizona State Sun Devils defeated Utah Utes 30-10. (Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham walks off of the field after the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium Saturday, October 21, 2017. Arizona State Sun Devils defeated Utah Utes 30-10. (Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham walks off of the field after the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium Saturday, October 21, 2017. Arizona State Sun Devils defeated Utah Utes 30-10. (Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham during the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium Saturday, October 21, 2017. Arizona State Sun Devils defeated Utah Utes 30-10. (Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Utes quarterback Tyler Huntley (1) watches during the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium Saturday, October 21, 2017. Arizona State Sun Devils defeated Utah Utes 30-10. (Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Utes quarterback Tyler Huntley (1) throws the ball during the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium Saturday, October 21, 2017. Arizona State Sun Devils defeated Utah Utes 30-10. (Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune) Arizona State Sun Devils tight end Jay Jay Wilson (9) scores a touchdown after intercepting the ball during the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium Saturday, October 21, 2017. Arizona State Sun Devils defeated Utah Utes 30-10. (Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Utes quarterback Troy Williams (3) watches during the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium Saturday, October 21, 2017. Arizona State Sun Devils defeated Utah Utes 30-10. (Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Utes defensive back Corrion Ballard (15) targets Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Kyle Williams (10) during the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium Saturday, October 21, 2017. Arizona State Sun Devils defeated Utah Utes 30-10. (Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Utes quarterback Tyler Huntley (1) during the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium Saturday, October 21, 2017. Arizona State Sun Devils defeated Utah Utes 30-10. (Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune) Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Ryan Newsome (17) celebrates after converting a first down during the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium Saturday, October 21, 2017. Arizona State Sun Devils defeated Utah Utes 30-10. (Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Utes running back Zack Moss (2) is tackled by Arizona State Sun Devils linebacker Christian Sam (2) and Arizona State Sun Devils defensive lineman JoJo Wicker (1) during the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium Saturday, October 21, 2017. Arizona State Sun Devils defeated Utah Utes 30-10. (Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Utes wide receiver Tyquez Hampton (5) scores a touchdown past Utah Utes linebacker Cody Barton (30) during the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium Saturday, October 21, 2017. Arizona State Sun Devils defeated Utah Utes 30-10. (Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Utes running back Zack Moss (2) is tackled by Arizona State Sun Devils defensive lineman Tashon Smallwood (90) and other Arizona State Sun Devils during the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium Saturday, October 21, 2017. Arizona State Sun Devils defeated Utah Utes 30-10. (Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune) Arizona State Sun Devils tight end Jay Jay Wilson (9) celebrates with Arizona State Sun Devils defensive back J'Marcus Rhodes (17) after scoring a touchdown after intercepting the ball during the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium Saturday, October 21, 2017. Arizona State Sun Devils defeated Utah Utes 30-10. (Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Utes quarterback Tyler Huntley (1) walks off of the field after throwing an interception during the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium Saturday, October 21, 2017. Arizona State Sun Devils defeated Utah Utes 30-10. (Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Utes defensive back Corrion Ballard (15) targets Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Kyle Williams (10) during the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium Saturday, October 21, 2017. Arizona State Sun Devils defeated Utah Utes 30-10. (Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Utes quarterback Troy Williams (3) talks with Utah Utes quarterback Tyler Huntley (1) during the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium Saturday, October 21, 2017. Arizona State Sun Devils defeated Utah Utes 30-10. (Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Utes quarterback Troy Williams (3) talks with Utah Utes quarterback Tyler Huntley (1) during the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium Saturday, October 21, 2017. Arizona State Sun Devils defeated Utah Utes 30-10.
A roar went up from every corner of Rice-Eccles Stadium when Tyler Huntley took the field with the Utes offense for the first time in almost a month. The noise wasn’t just palpable, it was audible.
Then reality sunk in as Huntley’s return failed to produce a revival for the Utes’ offense. Huntley struggled so mightily that it begs the question: Did Huntley’s return do more to hurt than to help?
Huntley, the sophomore quarterback, wowed with his playmaking ability with both his legs and his arm in the first three games of the season. The first-year starter suffered a shoulder injury against Arizona in the Pac-12 opener, and he’d been sidelined since.
In light of back-to-back losses, albeit by a total of four points, there seemed to be a sentiment among Utes fans that Huntley’s return would provide a necessary jolt. Some might even have argued that his presence might have changed the outcome of the previous losses.
Huntley, facing a defense which had two interceptions in six games, completed 19 of 35 passes for 155 yards with four interceptions. His fourth interception, which came with the Utes down 23-3 in the fourth quarter, got returned 20 yards for a touchdown.
Passing: 23 of 32, 227 yards, 1 TD, 1 Int.
Passing: 30 of 43, 341 yards, 4 TDS, 1 Int.
Passing: 19 of 35, 155 yards, 4 Ints.
The Utes’ 10 points were their fewest since scoring nine in a loss to UCLA in 2015. They managed 265 yards of total offense, and their longest play of the day was 17 yards.
Huntley showed no obvious signs of his injury hampering him. His throwing arm did hang limply at his side for a moment immediately after getting hit on his arm in mid-throwing motion late in the first half. The next play he tossed an off-target throw up the sideline for his second interception of the first half.
Huntley didn’t want to use his shoulder or his lack of practice time in recent weeks as excuses, and he repeatedly came back to the offensive mistakes as the reason for the poor showing.