A thriller no extra, UCLA backup quarterback Justyn Martin is the starter for Saturday’s recreation in opposition to Penn State. Martin is a crimson shirt sophomore.
UCLA QB Justyn Martin introduced because the starter on the FOX broadcast.
— James H. Williams covers UCLA soccer (@JHWreporter) October 5, 2024
The Bruins used Ethan Garbers as their quarterback within the first 4 video games of the season, however he was questionable heading into the sport due to an unspecified harm.
“For UCLA in State Faculty right now, they’re 4 landing underdogs, they usually could also be with out quarterback Ethan Garbers,” ESPN’s Pete Thamel mentioned on Faculty GameDay. “I’m advised he’s a recreation time determination. He’s anticipated to heat up, however he’s been restricted in observe this week., a sophomore who has 5 profession passing makes an attempt, has been taking the primary crew reps.”
Garbers made his departure from the Oregon recreation after getting sacked 4 instances. He limped all through the second half and his remaining play of the sport concluded with Garbers holding the again of his head.
Garbers did not take part in observe Monday, which gave Martin further reps for Saturday’s matchup.
That is Martin’s first-ever collegiate begin and his third look this season. It is evident out of the seven quarterbacks the Bruins might’ve flip to, one clear candidate emerged as the best choice to switch Garbers as signal-caller.
“It’s simply good to get a number of the younger quarterbacks that haven’t performed in video games simply reside reps,” Foster advised Ben Bolch of The Los Angeles Occasions. “I feel he dealt with it fairly nicely and hopefully we are able to construct on that for Justyn.”
Martin performed in two performs of UCLA’s remaining drive in opposition to Oregon. He accomplished one among 4 passes for seven yards.
The Oregon recreation was the primary vital time Martin had accomplished on the school degree. Within the 34-12 loss final weekend, Garbers was 12 for 20 and recorded 118 yards.
Garbers has accomplished a career-low 57.3 p.c of his passes for 808 yards. The fifth-year senior has three touchdowns and 6 interceptions.
It is definitely not the stat line the Bruins had been hoping for from their beginning quarterback. However UCLA has been dealt a particularly robust schedule.
The Bruins are at present down 7-0 to the Penn State Nittany Lions. The 4-0 Lions look to proceed their undefeated streak in opposition to UCLA.
Neither crew scored within the first quarter of the matchup. It wasn’t till the second quarter that Penn State managed to attain a landing. Solely time will inform if the matchup is a story of two defenses.