LOS ANGELES — Quarterback Dante Moore threw two touchdown passes in his much-anticipated college debut, leading UCLA to a 27-13 victory over Coastal Carolina in the Bruins’ season opener Saturday night at the Rose Bowl.
Moore entered the game behind starting quarterback Ethan Garbers in the second quarter and connected on a 14-yard touchdown pass to Carson Steele. He reentered the game in the fourth quarter with a one-point lead and found J. Michael Sturdivant on a 62-yard pass to extend the Bruins’ lead.
Moore completed seven of 12 passes for 143 yards. He also threw an end-zone interception in the fourth quarter, but a fumble recovery by UCLA defensive back John Humphrey on the next play.
A fumble recovery by Carl Jones Jr. off a strip sack of Coastal Carolina quarterback Grayson McCall sealed the win for the Bruins.
Garbers led UCLA to the end zone on its first possession and finished with 121 yards on 10-of-17 passing. He started the second half, but threw an interception and went three-and-out before Kelly put Moore back in the game.
UCLA running back Carson Steele rushed for 76 yards on 13 carries and had a receiving touchdown. Sturdivant caught five passes for 136 yards and a touchdown.
McCall completed 27 of 42 passes for 271 yards, with a touchdown and two interceptions.