Garbers, UCLA roll to 45-7 rout of Alabama State

Updated Sep. 10, 2022 8:26 p.m. ET

Associated Press

PASADENA, Calif. (AP) — Backup quarterback Ethan Garbers threw for 164 yards and ran for a pair of touchdowns, and UCLA improved to 2-0 for the second consecutive year with a 45-7 rout of Alabama State on Saturday.

Garbers came in for Dorian Thompson-Robinson midway through the Bruins' fourth drive early in the second quarter. The redshirt sophomore directed scoring drives in five of seven possessions (four TDs, one field goal).

He completed 14 of 18 passes with both of his rushing scores coming in the second quarter as the Bruins built a 31-7 halftime lead.

Thompson-Robinson was on target for his first six passes, including a 25-yard TD to Hudson Habermehl late in the first quarter, and finished 9 of 11 for 101 yards.

Keegan Jones, T.J. Harden and Christian Grubb also had touchdowns for the Bruins. UCLA's defense forced three turnovers.

Alabama State's (2-1) lone score came with 13:53 remaining in the second quarter when Jeremiah Hixon caught a 21-yard touchdown pass from Myles Crawley.

Crawley was 16 of 27 for 177 yards with a touchdown and interception.

ON THE RUN

The Bruins averaged 5.8 yards per carry despite Zach Charbonnet not playing. The junior was limited in practice on Thursday but was in uniform and on the sideline. Harden led the way with 56 yards.

AND THEN THERE WERE TWO

With UCLA facing a Football Championship Subdivision team for the first time, Notre Dame and Southern California remain the only schools who haven't played a team outside the FBS.

However, the Fighting Irish will face Tennessee State next season.

THE TAKEAWAY

Alabama State: The Hornets fell to 0-12 against FBS opponents since 1980. They have been held to 19 points or fewer in every game.

UCLA: The Bruins have scored at least 42 points in five consecutive games dating back to last season. They are averaging 47.6 points per contest with an average winning margin of 29.4 during that span.

UP NEXT

Alabama State: Hosts Prairie View A&M on Sept. 24.

UCLA: Hosts South Alabama next Saturday.

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