Dante Moore Won The Starting Job During UCLA's Week 1 Win, So What's Chip Kelly Waiting For?

Who will be the starter this weekend versus San Diego State?

Chip Kelly named Ethan Garbers QB1 during last week's practice leading up to the opener versus Coastal Carolina. 

This decision raised more than a few eyebrows when it came to the casual fan. While Garbers has had multiple years in the program/within Kelly's system, starting the redshirt junior meant that Dante Moore would begin the season as QB2. 

Yes -- the same guy who dominated the U.S. Army All-American Game in January. The same 5-star prospect out of Detroit who spurned Oregon in favor of coming to Westwood. A player who came to UCLA with as much hype as any signee in recent program memory. 

DANTE MOORE 62-YARD TD PASS TO J.MICHAEL STURDIVANT!!

📺: @ESPN
📲: https://t.co/nZyOC9HyQI #GoBruins pic.twitter.com/u7BZcenYbF

— UCLA Football (@UCLAFootball) September 3, 2023

Garbers did lead UCLA on a touchdown drive immediately -- connecting with TE Carsen Ryan on a beautiful 21-yard throw down the sidelines. From there, things seemed to sour in a hurry. 

Garbers did not look comfortable in the pocket. He lacked the mobility to evade the rush when pressured. He threw a very bad interception in the red zone, and another came when being hit off the edge (to be fair, that one wasn't really his fault). 

Moore didn't enter the game until the second quarter. Immediately, you could see a calming presence on the field. You also immediately saw a guy who can be a playmaker in the face of pressure. On one of the more impressive plays from his initial drive, he evaded pressure rolling to the right and found a streaking J. Michael Sturdivant for a big gain. The throw demonstrated immense touch, and the conversion under pressure illuminated the poise and maturity Moore's been known for. 

The first 𝗧𝗢𝗨𝗖𝗛𝗗𝗢𝗪𝗡 of @dantemoore05's career‼️

📺: @ESPN
📲: https://t.co/nZyOC9HyQI #GoBruins pic.twitter.com/Evbcz5K8Kv

— UCLA Football (@UCLAFootball) September 3, 2023

He later found Carson Steele for the first touchdown throw of his collegiate career (shown above). Again, you can see the playmaking ability as Moore escapes the pocket. Later in the game, returning to audible cheers from the stands, Moore launched a picture-perfect 62-yard TD bomb to Sturdivant. Catching the ball in stride, the throw couldn't have been better. 

This isn't meant to knock Garbers. By all accounts, he had a very solid spring ball followed by a strong fall camp. Being a veteran, Kelly probably didn't want to put too much on Moore's shoulders. Alternating possessions in non-conference play -- where UCLA treats it essentially as an NFL preseason period -- probably seemed like the prudent move. 

However, the tape doesn't lie. Moore looked far more comfortable compared to Garbers from a body language standpoint. The Detroit native never looked rattled and kept a very even-keeled disposition the entire time he was in. Moore visibly played with a quiet confidence bordering on swagger. 

🎯 Making Plays! pic.twitter.com/tKl1zyXkI2

— UCLA Football (@UCLAFootball) September 3, 2023

From a talent standpoint, while Garbers is certainly a solid player, we don't think he possesses Moore's upside as a thrower. We question whether Garbers would've been able to make the same throws Moore did on both of his TD tosses. 

As we gear up for UCLA's road test at San Diego State this weekend, the question persists: Who will Chip Kelly start at quarterback? 

Game 1 Stats: 

Dante Moore: 7-of-12 for 143 yards ; 2 TDs ; 1 INT

Ethan Garbers: 10-of-17 for 121 yards ; 1 TD ; 2 INTs

We could see Garbers get the first snaps again -- if for nothing else other than to not kill his confidence completely. UCLA can use the next two non-conference games as pseudo practices -- where the staff can collect more tape as they continue to assess the position. 

Or, Kelly could instead insert Moore and roll with the true freshman. Further development will come with experience and an increased number of snaps. Garbers is well-liked within the team. However, if Moore continues to resemble the guy many think he can eventually be, even then the team must recognize that Moore is the best option.