UCLA Football: Chip Kelly Appears To Decide On Starting QB Against Arizona State

QB3 is now QB1

After injuries suffered by UCLA's top two quarterbacks in last week's 27-10 loss to the Arizona Wildcats, Bruins head coach Chip Kelly seems to be going with the club's third-string QB to start tonight's game against the Arizona State Sun Devils. 

Collin Schlee warming up with center Duke Clemens in the pregame snap exchange, usually an indicator of the starting quarterback.

— Ben Bolch (@latbbolch) November 12, 2023

The #UCLA quarterbacks warming up, including Ethan Garbers. pic.twitter.com/q6nZN3J0a0

— Bruin Report Online (@BruinReport) November 12, 2023

Schlee will make his sixth appearance in 2023 after transferring from Kent State. In the five previous games, Schlee has gone 3-for-13 for 22 passing yards, zero touchdowns, and two interceptions. Although those aren't impressive stats, he's excelled in the run game, rushing for 247 yards on 21 attempts for three touchdowns. 

Freshman QB Dante Moore was also seen warming up, but it seems he will not get the start. As for Ethna Garbers, he was seen on the field, suited up, but he will be the holder, according to Bruin insider Ben Bolch. 

Looks like Ethan Garbers will be the holder tonight, at the very least, based on warmups.

— Ben Bolch (@latbbolch) November 12, 2023

Regardless of who starts under center, UCLA should be able to take advantage of the hobbled and less-talented Sun Devils team. If there was a week that they would be hobbled on the QB position, this is the week.

We'll see how Kelly approaches this, and how he utilizes Schlee throughout the contest. 

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