UCLA football: 3 takeaways from huge win over No. 13 Washington State

3 of 3

Oct 7, 2023; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Dante Moore (3) drops back to pass against the Washington State Cougars during the first half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Dante Moore is close to being great

Washington State’s defense had been playing great all season long which meant that Saturday would be a tall task for a true freshman quarterback like Dante Moore.

Having a solid game against a team that had shut down Tanner Mordecai and DJ Uiagalelei in two of the previous three games would not be easy, but Moore had himself a nice day. If he could just clean up those turnovers, he’s going to be a problem for opposing defenses for the rest of the year and maybe even be the best freshman in the conference.

Moore finished the day 22-of-44 passing with 290 yards and a touchdown but he threw two interceptions, including one that was returned for a touchdown while driving late in the first half.

If he can clean up his mistakes and limit the turnovers, he could become one of the best quarterbacks not only in the Pac-12/Big Ten (next year) but in the nation.

He’s close to being great. Just clean up the turnovers.

dark. Next. Ranking college football's top 25 fanbases

Home/UCLA Bruins