The UCLA Bruins ended their season on a high note by defeating the Boise State Broncos 35-22 in the Starco Brands LA Bowl Hosted by Gronk. This is the second time the Bruins ended their season with over eight wins since 1988.
“That’s what I’m really proud of is what these guys did, how resilient they were to beat a really good Mountain West football team in Boise State,” said UCLA football head coach Chip Kelly. “I’m proud of how they performed.”
The Bruins endured a loss of 89 yards due to 12 penalties in the bout. If the game concluded otherwise, their mistakes could have been more evidence for those who are critical of Kelly and team. Kelly noted how he avoids consuming news on the Bruins.
“These players can tell you that we talk about being the most prepared and the least distracted,” Kelly said. “I think you have to really build a moat around your mind and allow the right things in and these guys have stayed the course.”
With 9:27 left in the second quarter of the LA Bowl, UCLA has lost 34 yards from five penalties. Boise State has no penalties
— Amanda Scurlock (@Amandtastic) December 17, 2023
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The Boise State rushing game proved hard to defend in the early minutes. The Bruin Defense revved up as the Broncos reached their red zone, only allowing two field goals in the first quarter.
“In football, how you execute in the redzone is everything,” said Broncos football head coach Spencer Danielson. “As an offense, [we]did a great job moving the ball into the redzone. We got to find ways to capitalize.”
With the Bruin offense struggling, junior quarterback Collin Schlee made a 50-yard scoring rush to give the Bruins the lead. On a 44-yard scramble, Schlee was injured, and junior Ethan Garbers stepped in as signal caller. Garbers sustained an injury during their 7-33 loss to the California Golden Bears.
“The team needed me and that’s my biggest priority,” Garbers said. “I’ll sacrifice my body for the team, for these guys that put blood, sweat and tears into it.”
Garbers connected with wide receivers Kyle Ford and J. Michael Sturdivant to advance, helping the Bruins score on three consecutive possessions. He did not drop a pass throughout the third quarter; ultimately Garbers made nine slings for 152 yards for two touchdowns and three carries for 38 yards.
UCLA quarterback Ethan Garbers completed all eight of his passes for 112 yards in the third quarter, scoring one touchdown pass
— Amanda Scurlock (@Amandtastic) December 17, 2023
The defense also had their share of highlights with senior Darius Muasau leading with 11 total tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss in his final game as a Bruin.
Muasau noted how the game was bittersweet for him. Not only was it his final collegiate game but it was the final bowl game UCLA will play as a member of the Pac-12 Conference.
“I love this game with all I got,” Mausau said. “I wouldn’t want to end it with any other team than the UCLA Bruins. Playing with the brothers that I have right here, we have a lot of great friendships that I’ll cherish forever.”
