UCLA Football: Chip Kelly Praises Dante Moore Resilience Amid Turnover Challenges

Can Moore turn it around as we hit the halfway point?

Your UCLA Bruins are coming off a tough road loss in Corvallis, dropping their second game of the season, 36-24. The defense did not live up to what we have seen the past couple of weeks; however, that wasn't the sole reason the Bruins lost. 

The offense, specifically their star freshman QB Dante Moore, did not play up to expectations. Or should I say he has not played up to expectations? 

Moore has struggled mightily in these past three games; turning the ball over multiple times has cost the Bruins in a big way. 

UCLA head coach Chip Kelly is front and center to those turnovers by his freshman QB. Although his performance isn't warranted, Kelly still believes in his QB and said he loves his resilience through these turnovers. 

“I think that’s part of Dante’s makeup,”

Chip Kelly said

. “I think he’s a very resilient young man. He’s mature beyond most kids of that age. He’s still an 18-year-old kid, 18-year-old young man.”

“But I think that’s one of the things. He’s got a great set of intangibles. He’s a really, really resilient person. I think he has the ability to live in the present. He doesn’t live in the past. He doesn’t live in the future. He lives in the present and that’s a really special quality for people to have,” Chip Kelly said.

“So, I think it’s something in every situation he learns and he’ll grow from it.”

(Per Chip Kelly via On3)

Moore is mature for his age; he doesn't let these turnovers get to his head, but it is still concerning. Kelly may not have time to go through the growing pains with Moore as his seat may be getting hot as the season progresses. 

Nonetheless, there is no denying his talent. We've seen flashes of greatness in Moore, and it may take a while for him to truly come into his own. 

Hopefully, it comes faster than we expect, but regardless,  there is no denying his maturity, talent, and resiliency.   We'll see how he responds as the weeks go by.