Anonymous opposing coach delivers encouraging prediction for UCLA football

One of the most interesting teams in the Pac-12 is UCLA, which has largely been overshadowed by USC as the pair prepares to move to the Big Ten. Despite that, the Bruins have a good team and are hopeful for the future of the program.

One anonymous opposing coach has a positive view of the UCLA program. The coach, while speaking to Athlon magazine, feels like the Bruins are on their way to being comparable to the great Stanford football teams.

“Maybe it’s a hot take, but if they keep building, they’re going to become what Stanford was a few years back,” the coach said. “They’re not USC, and I think they’re figuring out how to be something else in L.A.”

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“It’s a strong academic school that still wants to be successful in football, and if you can find that balance, you can do something special in the Pac-12,” the coach continued.

“They’re a really solid roster, and they have some really nice pieces, but the big thing we’re all watching is what they’re like with DTR [Dorian Thompson-Robinson] being gone. The QB position in that offense is really centered around decision-making. You have to move fast and be smart.”

How UCLA head coach Chip Kelly has to replace long-time starting quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson. However, it seems like he has a successor already in place. That would be Dante Moore, who was a five-star recruit in the Class of 2023, according to the On3 Industry Rankings.

So, while it may take some time for Moore to transition to college, he does have the talent to lead UCLA moving forward.

UCLA is relying on newcomers on offense

One of the biggest questions for UCLA in 2023 is how the Bruins’ young players are able to quickly adjust to college and provide production for the team. That’s especially true on the offensive side of the ball, as On3’s JD PicKell explained.

“Chip Kelly, what is he known for? Explosive offense after explosive offense after explosive offense. Well the unfortunate reality is you lose a lot of those guys to the NFL. The good news is, you went in to the portal and got some dudes for you,” PicKell said.

But the whole hope behind UCLA is that that offense is going to score points how they’ve scored points under Chip Kelly. DTR is gone but you feel OK about who you have stepping in at quarterback. Quarterback friendly offense, offense goes through the quarterback. But even so, you’re putting a lot of your hope on a transfer quarterback, transferring now to the Power 5, is Collin Schlee. Or a true freshman. Talented true freshman who I think is the future in Westwood. But still, he’s a true freshman. Hasn’t played a down of college football yet. UCLA could make some noise in the Pac-12. The Pac-12 is going to be brutal this year. I also think it’s pretty wide open.”