UCLA football: 3 takeaways from shocking loss to Arizona

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Nov 12, 2022; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins running back Zach Charbonnet (24) carries for 37 yards before he is forced out of bounds by Arizona Wildcats safety Christian Young (5) in the first half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Zach Charbonnet still deserves to be in the Heisman race

The Heisman race favors players on teams that contend for national titles, but despite the UCLA loss on Saturday night, essentially eliminating the Bruins from playoff talks, Zach Charbonnet should be squarely in that Heisman conversation.

Charbonnet is arguably the best running back in college football, challenging guys like Texas’ Bijan Robinson and former teammate Blake Corum at Michigan.

Heading into Saturday’s game against the Wildcats, he had 964 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on 7.5 yards per carry. He only improved on those numbers with 181 yards and three touchdowns against Arizona. He was carrying the offense on his back.

Now that he’s over 1,100 yards and 13 touchdowns on the year while averaging well over 7.0 yards per carry, he needs to be considered a legit Heisman candidate.

Who says no?

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