UCLA Football: Dante Moore Applauds Backup Collin Schlee Gutsy Display

It was all around a poor game from UCLA on Saturday.
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It was a rough performance from UCLA on Saturday against Oregon State. The Bruins dropped the game on the road, and true freshman quarterback Dante Moore struggled in this one.

The Bruins eventually decided to let backup Collin Schlee into the game, and while he helped some things, they couldn't overcome the disastrous start.

“Even with UCLA’s running game piling up 284 yards and backup quarterback Collin Schlee mixing in effectively as a change-of-pace option before leaving with an injury, the Bruins could not overcome those interceptions.”

Per Ben Bolch of The LA Times

Schlee gave the Bruins some nice alternative play at the position, but the deficit was too much to handle on the road. It was a poor performance through and through for a team that was riding the high of a big win from last week.

Moore did give credit to Schlee for coming in and helping the team, even if it was too late.

“The way Collin is, he’s a playmaker, he does a wonderful job with the football in his hand, he makes a lot of people miss, he can throw the ball,” Moore said, “and really just having him run the ball and having me throw the ball, I feel like that’s a great duo to have.”

Per Dante Moore via The LA Times

All the Bruins can do now is move on from this game and regroup. They know they missed an opportunity to make some real noise in the Pac-12 Conference, but they can still salvage the season.

“For the first time this season, the Bruins’ defense bent a bit, giving up multiple touchdowns to an opposing offense. Twice, UCLA blew coverages on Oregon State tight end Jack Velling that resulted in touchdowns, including a 32-yard score that gave the Beavers a 36-17 lead late in the third quarter.”

Per Ben Bolch of The LA Times

They only have two losses right now and want to keep it that way. Moore needs to play better going forward, and this team needs to refocus themselves.

They are still a very talented squad, but this game may have humbled them a little bit. This is a crucial point in their season, and they want to make sure that they don't let this happen again.

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Matt Levine
MATT LEVINE

Matt earned a Master of Science degree in Sport Management from Louisiana State University in 2021. He was born and raised in the Los Angeles area, covering all Southern California sports in his career.