UCLA Football Injury Report: Chip Kelly Suggests Absent QBs Were Available Vs ASU

Guess it wasn't an emergency

Your UCLA Bruins entered Week 11 facing a significant challenge, with their top two quarterbacks nursing injuries sustained in the prior week's loss to Arizona. 

The availability of star freshman QB Dante Moore and junior QB Ethan Garbers remained uncertain leading up to the game against a then-2-7 Arizona State University Sun Devils team. Head coach Chip Kelly ultimately decided to start third-string quarterback Collin Schlee against ASU.

Unfortunately, Schlee's performance left much to be desired as the Bruins struggled to move the ball effectively through the air throughout the game. Surprisingly, after the game, Kelly revealed that both Dante Moore and Ethan Garbers were apparently available on an emergency basis.

Chip Kelly said Ethan Garbers and Dante Moore were available on an emergency basis.

— Ben Bolch (@latbbolch) November 12, 2023

The revelation raises eyebrows as the Bruins found themselves trailing late in the game against a 2-7 opponent, facing a borderline must-win scenario.

The perplexing aspect is that, despite the evident struggles with Schlee, Kelly opted not to insert either Moore or Garbers into the game, even in an emergency situation. This decision left fans and observers puzzled, wondering why, in a critical game where the outcome hung in the balance, the coaching staff chose not to bring in one of the more experienced and proven quarterbacks.

The frustration among fans was palpable, watching the team struggle without making use of available options. The baffling coaching decisions contributed to a disappointing outcome, highlighting the importance of strategic choices in critical game situations.

In this case, the result seemed to reflect the decisions made on the field and the missed opportunity to capitalize on the talents of Moore and Garbers.

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