Utah Football: 3 takeaways from Week 13 road win at Arizona

3. Zack Moss proves he is the best running back in the Pac-12

Utah’s only loss of the season came on the road against USC when Moss was knocked out of the game early in the second quarter with a shoulder injury. At the time, the Utes were down 14-7 in a game they eventually lost 30-23. Had Moss been healthy, he most certainly would have finished with more than six carries and 20 rushing yards and could have tipped the scales in favor of the visitors.

Counterfactuals only count for so much, though, and ultimately there is still that loss on Utah’s record. It is very real, and it definitely counts as a mark against them. But the College Football Playoff selection committee will certainly have to consider that fact as they look at the way Utah performs with and without their backfield star healthy and on the field.

Against Arizona, Moss was a huge reason why the Utes emerged not just with a victory but a rout. He finished the night with 203 yards on 26 carries, punching in a touchdown along the way. Moss added four catches for 32 yards as he showcased his skills as both a runner and a receiver out of the backfield.

With Moss lined up next to Tyler Huntley, Utah features a one-two punch that is nigh impossible to stop for opposing defenses. Moss showed his worth on Saturday evening as the Utes kept themselves in the national picture for another week.