Furman quarterback Tyler Huff had a tremendous 2023 season and a phenomenal college football career. However, he came up just short in his final game.
The fifth-year senior, who captained the Paladins this fall, could not will his team to victory over Montana in the FCS quarterfinals on Friday night. Although Huff gave it everything he had, it wasn’t enough. It was the Grizzlies defense that stepped up when it mattered most.
They also got the last laugh!
Earlier in the week, prior to the playoff game in Missoula, Huff was asked about the opposing defense. There was a mutual respect there, but his comments were also a dig.
Huff said that he didn’t think that Montana’s defense is that athletic, or that much better than other defenses that are in his conference. His comments were classic bulletin board material.
They came back to bite him on Friday. Not only did Huff lose, his stat line as a passer was terrible.
Furman’s signal-caller completed just 16 of 47 passes (34%) for 188 yards (one of them went for 70) with one touchdown and one pick. He added a team high 71 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries, and the second-leading rusher went for just 17 yards on the same amount of touches.
Not great!
Perhaps Huff would like to walk back his comments? The Paladins scored 28 points, sure, but the Grizzlies defense — which was apparently nothing overly special — held them in check and shut things down when it was most important.
Hauck praised Furman QB Tyler Huff Monday. His evaluation of how #GrizFB held him in check Friday night #FCSPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/aIsCcGppC3
— Skyline Sports (@SkylineSportsMT) December 9, 2023
Being confident as a quarterback is always a good thing. Entering a game with some swagger is a commendable trait in a leader.
Huff is a great player with a bright future. With that being said — to downplay the opposing defense and complete less than 40% of passes in a loss — is a pretty tough way to go out.