UCLA

UCLA Football Faces Tough Test Against Oregon State, Coach Chip Kelly Draws Bold Comparison

Chip Kelly Praises Oregon State's Quarterback DJ Uiagelelei, Likens Him to NFL Star Cam Newton

In Week 6, UCLA’s football team faces a formidable challenge as they hit the road to take on Oregon State. Chip Kelly, UCLA’s head coach, acknowledges the threat posed by Oregon State’s quarterback and draws an intriguing comparison to NFL sensation Cam Newton.

Key Takeaways:

  • Chip Kelly, UCLA’s head coach, acknowledges the talent of Oregon State’s quarterback and makes a noteworthy comparison.
  • Cam Newton’s exceptional dual-threat abilities in the NFL serve as the basis for the comparison.
  • DJ Uiagelelei, UCLA’s quarterback, is praised for his potential impact on the upcoming game.

UCLA’s football team is gearing up for a crucial clash in Week 6 as they prepare to face Oregon State on the road. While every game in the conference presents its own challenges, UCLA’s head coach, Chip Kelly, has highlighted a particularly noteworthy aspect of this matchup: the opposing quarterback.

“We do tackling drills every day, but you’re not going to simulate that. We don’t have anybody on our team — unless you put a tight end at quarterback because he’s basically built like a TE,” Kelly explained. “He’s even bigger than Colson (Yankoff). Maybe we can go to the basketball team and grab a couple of Mick’s (Cronin’s) power forwards, that’s what he reminds me of. He’s a Cam Newton-type guy. It’s gonna take more than one guy.”

Kelly heaped praise on DJ Uiagelelei, UCLA’s junior quarterback, ahead of their showdown with Oregon State. In doing so, he drew a striking comparison to one of the NFL’s most electrifying quarterbacks of recent years, Cam Newton.

Cam Newton made a profound impact in the NFL in 2015 with his exceptional dual-threat abilities. At 6 feet 5 inches tall and with a robust frame, Newton possessed the physicality to overpower smaller defenders on the ground while showcasing his arm strength to carve up opposing secondaries. This remarkable performance earned him the NFL MVP award as he led the Carolina Panthers to a dominant 15-1 campaign, totaling 45 touchdowns and nearly 4,500 yards from scrimmage.

Uiagelelei’s physical attributes mirror those of Cam Newton, making him a similar kind of challenge for Chip Kelly’s defense in the upcoming game against Oregon State. Despite initially facing challenges in filling the shoes of the great Trevor Lawrence as Clemson’s quarterback, Uiagelelei has found a new home in the Pac-12 with UCLA.

Oregon State’s quarterback has been instrumental in their success, leading the team to a 15th AP ranking after a surprising upset win against Utah and a recent five-touchdown performance against Cal.

For Chip Kelly and UCLA, containing Oregon State’s talented signal-caller will be paramount if they hope to secure an upset victory in this critical conference matchup.

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Gary Lee

Gary Lee, a mainstay at LA Sports Report, is not just a sports writer; he's a veritable institution in the realm of sports journalism. With an extensive and illustrious career that boasts stints with notable platforms like Sports Illustrated, Gary has consistently showcased an uncanny knack for capturing the essence of the game, regardless of the sport. His prowess isn't limited to the written word alone; Gary's vast experience extends to creating and curating sports websites, providing fans with in-depth analysis, up-to-date news, and captivating stories. For readers keen on insights into the Clippers, Dodgers, Galaxy, Kings, LAFC, Lakers, Rams, UCLA, and USC, Gary is your go-to guy.
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