Coastal Carolina vs. UCLA Short Report | Sep 2, 2023
Rose Bowl
Pasadena, CA
Sep 2, 2023
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Game Recap
The UCLA Bruins commenced their season with a 27-13 victory over the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers at the Rose Bowl. Ethan Garbers set the pace with an early 21-yard touchdown pass. The Bruins steadily built their lead with a mixture of strategic plays and stout defense. Coastal Carolina's Grayson McCall displayed resilience by narrowing the score to 14-13 in the third quarter with a touchdown pass to Sam Pinckney. However, Dante Moore's 62-yard touchdown to J.Michael Sturdivant and a series of defensive stops sealed the win for UCLA.
Coastal Carolina showed moments of promise, particularly in the second and third quarters. Liam Gray's field goal and McCall's touchdown pass highlighted their offensive efforts. The Chanticleers' defense made notable stands, including two interceptions by Clayton Isbell. Ultimately, UCLA’s defense, spearheaded by Laiatu Latu, who recorded three sacks, proved too formidable. The Bruins' balanced attack and disciplined defensive performance earned them a well-deserved opening victory.
Key Plays:
Ethan Garbers (UCLA)
Ethan Garbers ignited the UCLA offense early, sending a precise 21-yard touchdown pass to Carsen Ryan. The play capitalized on an extensive drive that showcased Garbers' dynamic arm strength, establishing UCLA’s offensive momentum at the outset.
Liam Gray (Coastal Carolina)
Liam Gray put Coastal Carolina on the scoreboard with a 22-yard field goal. After the Chanticleers’ drive stalled in the red zone, Gray's steady leg proved reliable, reducing the deficit to 7-3.
Dante Moore (UCLA)
True freshman Dante Moore displayed composure and accuracy, delivering a 14-yard touchdown pass to Carson Steele. This pivotal play extended UCLA’s lead and highlighted Moore’s potential as a standout quarterback for the Bruins.
Grayson McCall (Coastal Carolina)
Grayson McCall kept Coastal Carolina’s hopes alive with a 9-yard touchdown pass to Sam Pinckney. McCall's ability to read UCLA’s defensive coverage exemplified his maturity and skill under pressure.
Dante Moore (UCLA)
Dante Moore struck again with a stunning 62-yard touchdown pass to J.Michael Sturdivant. This explosive play widened UCLA’s lead and showcased Sturdivant’s breakaway speed, leaving Coastal Carolina's secondary in his wake.
RJ Lopez (UCLA)
RJ Lopez provided crucial insurance for the Bruins with a 31-yard field goal. His accuracy was key, extending the lead to 24-13 and placing additional pressure on Coastal Carolina to score quickly.
Laiatu Latu (UCLA)
Laiatu Latu delivered a critical defensive play by sacking Grayson McCall for a 9-yard loss. This sack not only pushed Coastal Carolina back but also underscored Latu's dominance on the defensive line.
Gabriel Murphy (UCLA)
Gabriel Murphy delivered a game-sealing sack on Grayson McCall, forcing a fumble that was quickly recovered by Carl Jones Jr. This turnover extinguished any remaining hopes for a Chanticleers' comeback.
Standout Players:
Dante Moore (UCLA, QB)
Dante Moore threw for 143 yards and two touchdowns, demonstrating composure and accuracy under pressure. His ability to lead the offense efficiently will be crucial for UCLA’s campaign this season.
Carson Steele (UCLA, RB)
Carson Steele was instrumental to the Bruins' offensive strategy with 76 rushing yards on 13 attempts. His versatility also shone through as he caught a 14-yard touchdown pass, providing a reliable outlet for the quarterback.
J.Michael Sturdivant (UCLA, WR)
J.Michael Sturdivant displayed exceptional playmaking ability with five receptions for 136 yards. His 62-yard touchdown reception was a game-changer, demonstrating his speed and route-running precision.
Laiatu Latu (UCLA, DL)
Laiatu Latu was a disruptive force on the defensive line, recording three sacks and several tackles for loss. His performance was pivotal in limiting Coastal Carolina's offensive rhythm.
Grayson McCall (Coastal Carolina, QB)
Grayson McCall threw for 271 yards and a touchdown, showcasing his resilience and playmaking ability. Despite facing a relentless pass rush, McCall managed to keep his team competitive.
Sam Pinckney (Coastal Carolina, WR)
Sam Pinckney was a standout performer with nine receptions for 139 yards and a touchdown. His consistent ability to find gaps in the defense provided a crucial offensive spark for Coastal Carolina.
Clayton Isbell (Coastal Carolina, DB)
Clayton Isbell made a significant impact on defense with two interceptions, returning them for a combined 29 yards. His ball-hawking skills disrupted UCLA's offensive flow and kept the Chanticleers competitive.
References:
Coastal Carolina Chanticleers vs. UCLA Bruins - Final Score - September 02, 2023 | FOX Sports
Coastal Carolina Chanticleers vs. UCLA Bruins Live Score and Stats - September 2, 2023 Gametracker - CBSSports.com
UCLA
Source
Coastal Carolina Chanticleers vs. UCLA Bruins Box Score and Stats - September 02, 2023 | FOX Sports
UCLA vs. Coastal Carolina Football Highlights | Week 1 | 2023 Season - YouTube
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UCLA
2023 UCLA Football Season Preview: New Faces, Old Problems
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Team
1
2
3
4
T
Coastal Carolina Chanticleers
0
6
7
0
13
UCLA Bruins
7
7
0
13
27
