UCLA Wins 20-13: Postgame Insights from Coaches and Players After Season Finale
Postgame Quotes: UCLA 20, Fresno State 13
Pasadena, Calif. (Rose Bowl)
Date: Nov. 30, 2024
UCLA Head Coach DeShaun Foster
Opening Remarks:
"This game reflected our season. We had ups and downs, but my players showed resilience. They continued to play hard and didn’t let setbacks affect them. I’m grateful for this team’s spirit; they came out strong in the second half and scored points."
On Quarterback Ethan Garbers:
“I’m thrilled for Ethan. It was important for him to send our seniors off right. Our seniors set a standard. No matter our score or record, we still need focus and readiness. I’m excited about their impact.”
On the Five-Win Season:
“Staying positive was key. If you maintain a positive outlook, good things happen. The effort from our players was commendable. We never quit, even when other teams opted out of their games. All 42 seniors played today, and they were eager to take the field. We wanted to honor them properly.”
On Second Half Performance:
"It was about our execution. We were our own obstacle in the first half. We needed to avoid mistakes that halted our drives and focus on executing plays. Our defense played well, especially Carson [Schwesinger], who made 15 tackles, possibly earning the Butkus Award. He’s a standout player."
On Challenges and Recruits:
“This is football. We will face any schedule without complaints. Many teams wish for easier matchups, but we embrace the challenge. Performance against tough teams proves we can compete."
On Running Back Anthony Frias II:
“TJ [Harden] was sick, and Keegan [Jones] was injured. We adopted a next-man-up mentality. Anthony practiced hard, and when called, he delivered.”
On Future of Quarterback Position:
“Justyn Martin did well. We will assess everything, but his future looks bright here.”
On Personal Growth This Season:
“I’ve learned patience. Despite challenges, I maintained calm. Players look for steadiness in coaches, and I held them to a standard.”
On Full Offseason:
“We wanted a bowl game but fell short. The offseason will be crucial for recovery and building the roster. I’m excited to welcome new talent to maintain our momentum.”
On Tight End Moliki Matavao:
“The game dictated how we used our tight ends. Ethan spread the ball well, and Moliki consistently produced for us.”
UCLA Quarterback Ethan Garbers
On Winning Final Game:
“It felt great. It was a team effort, especially in the second half. We executed well."
On Touchdown Pass to J. Michael Sturdivant:
“I insisted on going for the win, and J. Michael made a great play.”
On Message to Future Quarterbacks:
“They need to listen and learn. Taking it one play at a time is vital."
On Lessons Learned at UCLA:
“Discipline stands out. College teaches you the importance of setting a schedule and sticking to it."
UCLA Linebacker Carson Schwesinger
On Decision this Offseason:
“I will consider my options and inform Coach Foster first.”
On Lessons Learned:
“I learned the importance of manhood and life from the coaching staff.”
UCLA Tight End Moliki Matavao
On Experience at UCLA:
“The bonds formed here are special. The senior group is very close.”
On Lessons Learned:
“Persevering through adversity is crucial. This season taught us to keep fighting.”
UCLA Linebacker Kain Medrano
On Experience at UCLA:
“The bonds and camaraderie are unforgettable. I cherish the connections made."
On Message to Recruits:
“We need new talent to build on our success. UCLA offers a great environment and education.”
Fresno State Interim Head Coach Tim Skipper
Opening Remarks:
“We played hard but made crucial mistakes in the second half. UCLA took advantage of our lapses. We need to make better plays in critical moments.”
On Running Game:
“We aimed to improve our run game, but UCLA’s defense limited our success."
On Offensive Issues:
“We must start and finish strong. Being behind makes it difficult against good defenses.”
On Bowl Game Preferences:
“All bowls are good. Winning six games is an achievement for these players."
On Team’s Message:
“We need to finish games better. We played hard but failed to capitalize on opportunities.”
On Team’s Record:
“Our record reflects our struggles. Injuries challenged us, but the effort is commendable.”
On Bryson Donelson’s Future:
“Bryson has shown great determination after injuries. His mindset is impressive.”
On Future Job Prospects:
“Winning is crucial in coaching. My focus is on the players and their development.”
On Offensive Confidence:
“We need consistency and to finish drives. Scoring more points is essential.”
On Recruiting:
“This program thrives on hard work. We will continue recruiting talent and building on our tradition.”