The UCLA Bruins’ narrow win over Hawaii left plenty of questions to be answered. One of the biggest was regarding the play of quarterback Ethan Garbers.
However, DeShaun Foster admitted it could’ve been jitters, and UCLA has a Week 2 bye before the Big Ten opener against Indiana at home.
Still, both Garbers and running back TJ Harden appeared in the stock-down category of College Sports Wire’s piece. Here’s what Rodney Knuppel said about Garbers:
Ethan Garbers looked pretty poor in the first half. The UCLA quarterback got things together, however, and finished with a decent game. He completed 19 of 38 passes for 272 yards and a touchdown. His lone interception was a poor throw, and he was off balance. He did lead the Bruins in rushing yards with 47. Garbers will need to be better for the Bruins to have a chance in the Big Ten.
Fans questioned Garbers’ performance after the game, but hopefully he will improve going forward.
As for Harden, here’s what Knuppel wrote:
Yikes. This may be more about the offensive line and play calling for the Bruins than it is about TJ Harden, but his nine carries for nine yards is very concerning.
Harden was projected to have a big season for the Bruins. He got nothing. He looked a little off, and a tad slow. His stock plummeted after week one.
There are reasons to be concerned, but it’s the first game with a new head coach and offensive coordinator. Let’s not panic just yet.