UCLA got a bounce back victory after defeating Stanford, 42-7.
The Bruins dominated this game from the jump scoring touchdowns on their first two offensive possessions.
The surprise was that it junior Ethan Garbers leading UCLA on those touchdown drives.
Coach Chip Kelly decided to make a change benching true freshman quarterback Dante Moore.
“I thought Ethan played really well tonight,” Kelly said. “We’ve always felt like we’ve had depth at the quarterback spot. I’m really pleased with Ethan today.”
Garbers finished the game an efficient 20 for 28 for 240 yards with two touchdown thrown. His first coming in the third quarter on a eight yard pass to wide receiver J. Michael Sturdivant.
“Oh, man, it felt great,” said Garbers. “There were a lot of times where I just kind of wanted to quit a little bit but hey, I got to keep my head straight, I got to keep moving ‘cause you never know what could happen.”
Garbers was thrilled with the opportunity and took full advantage of it.
The first half though was all about the Bruins defense and running back Carson Steele.
The defense shoutout the Cardinals offense in the first half causing two turnovers in the process.
Steele was the star offensively in the first half rushing for three touchdowns setting the tone for how this game would go.
“It’s awesome how little things like that kind of work,” said Steele who finished with 76 yards rushing in 20 carries as part of a ground game that finished the game with 221 yards.
After finishing the first half up 21-0, it was more of the same.
The Bruins defense only allowed seven points the rest of the way and the Stanford offense which scored 46 points in last week’s win over Colorado. Only could muster up a total of 292 yards after accumulating 523 yards in their last game.
The Bruins are holding opponents to 14.9 points per game, their best showing through seven games since 1988.
Now with a 2-2 conference record, the Bruins look to stay relevant in the Pac-12 with a big matchup at home next week against the visiting University of Colorado.
