LANDMARK WIN

UCLA rallies behind backup QB Garbers for first bowl victory in coach Kelly's era

LOS ANGELES >> UCLA quarterback Ethan Garbers might not have been feeling 100% healthy heading into Saturday's LA Bowl against Boise State, but he had no hesitation stepping onto the field when starting quarterback Collin Schlee exited the game due to injury.

What followed was a furious comeback at SoFi Stadium that included a 21-point third quarter and a 35-22 win over the Broncos (8-6) and the Bruins' first bowl game win since 2015.

“When I looked out there and the team needed me, that's my biggest priority,” Garbers

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told reporters after the game. “I sacrifice my body for the team, for these guys. We put blood, sweat and tears into it. And at the end of the day, it's all for them.”

UCLA (8-5) came back from a nine-point halftime deficit to win the game. Garbers was named the game's offensive MVP and announced at the postgame press conference that he plans to return to UCLA next season.

Schlee sprinted down the sideline for a 44-yard run early in the third quarter on the play on which he was injured. He looked dazed, but had movement in his extremities and was able to walk off the field with assistance.

Garbers stepped in made back-to-back passes to Kyle Ford, the latter of which was good for a 5-yard touchdown. He ended up completing 9 of 12 passes for 152 yards and two touchdowns.

The Bruins were able to score on their next two drives. J.Michael Sturdivant hauled in a 39-yard pass from Garbers for a first down and three plays later, TJ Harden (105 rushing yards) scored on a 1-yard run to give UCLA a 21-16 advantage.

Garbers hit Sturdivant with another long pass, this one of 41 yards, for a first down on the next drive, and Harden finished the