Chip Kelly evaluates quarterback play from UCLA season opener

Chip Kelly took some time to evaluate the play of UCLA quarterbacks Ethan Garbers and Dante Moore during the Bruins’ 27-13 victory over Coastal Carolina in Saturday’s season opener.

Both signal-callers shined, and they both had their unfortunate moments, as well. However, it all worked out in the end for UCLA, and they have the ball rolling on a season brimming with potential.

With San Diego State looming large next Saturday, Kelly explained his belief in both quarterbacks following their performance against the Chanticleers.

“I thought both quarterbacks played really well,” started Kelly. “We had three interceptions. Two of them, they were being hit, so there was a protection breakdown in front. But I thought, for the first time for both those guys, for extensive action, I thought they did a nice job, what those guys did. For Dante, it was his first experience. Obviously Ethan’s played for us before. We know what he can do.

“But to see Dante playing in his first game, and how he handled all of it. Unlike the NFL, we don’t have preseason. We don’t have opportunities to scrimmage with other teams, to practice with other teams. So for his first action really, we’re really pleased with him.”

Alas, it seems as if Kelly is more than confident in his two quarterbacks moving forward, and it’ll be fascinating to see if he moves towards a singular starter in the near future. Whether that’s Garbers or Moore remains to be seen.

Moreover, Garbers was the starter for the game, and was 10 of 17 for 121 yards and one touchdown with two interceptions. Moore — who was the No. 3 overall player in the 2023 On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies — was 7 of 12 for 143 yards with two touchdowns and one interception.

Garbers played most of the first three quarters with Moore leading only one drive in the second quarter. That drive led to UCLA’s second touchdown of the day and gave it a 14-3 lead.

It was 14-13 when Moore returned to the field in the fourth quarter. He found J.Michael Sturdivant for his 62-yard touchdown on the first play of the drive, and then led UCLA to two more field goals on the drive. 

He also led a UCLA drive into Chanticleers territory before he was intercepted in the red zone.

Additionally, the third quarterback for the Bruins, Collin Schlee, did not get into the game versus Coastal Carolina, but Kelly also said after the game that he will play in Week 2 against San Diego State. It’ll be fascinating to watch how he fits into the puzzle as well, and how Chip Kelly juggles it all moving forward,

On3’s Peter Warren contributed to this article.