Ethan Garbers stakes his claim to UCLA’s starting quarterback role in 2024, leading UCLA to a 35-22 comeback win over Boise State in the LA Bowl.
He started the year as UCLA’s top quarterback. Ethan Garbers finished it the same way.
Despite injuries and inconsistent play on offense throughout the season, the redshirt junior led the Bruins to their first bowl win since 2015 with a triumphant second half Saturday, entering in relief of injured Collin Schlee to help UCLA to a 35-22 victory over Boise State in the LA Bowl at SoFi Stadium.
Garbers, who suffered an arm injury during UCLA’s regular-season finale against California, finished with 152 yards and two touchdowns on nine-for-12 passing with 38 rushing yards. He entered the game on UCLA’s first drive of the third quarter after Schlee appeared to hit his head on the turf following a 44-yard rush.
Schlee, a transfer from Kent State who had completed fewer than half of his passes this season, flashed his dual-threat ability with 127 rushing yards in seven carries, but UCLA’s offense crawled when he was at the helm.
The Bruins (8-5) had more penalties (eight) in the first half than points, taking a 16-7 deficit into the locker room.
Starting when Garbers entered the game facing first and goal from the Boise State nine-yard line, the Bruins scored touchdowns on three consecutive drives.
