Chip Kelly considers Cam Ward among top quarterbacks in the country

The UCLA Bruins have another huge Pac-12 showdown ahead of them on Saturday as they take on the Washington State Cougars. Washington State has been a surprise to some as they currently are undefeated on the season and are up to No. 13 in the nation behind the quarterback play of Cameron Ward. Bruins head coach Chip Kelly recently discussed Ward as the team prepares for their Saturday afternoon matchup.

While some are surprised by the play of Washington State and their quarterback’s performance thus far, the Bruins headman is not one of them. Not only is Ward’s play not surprising to Kelly, but he also believes the Cougars quarterback should be recognized as one of the top quarterbacks in the nation.

“I don’t think he’s taken off. I thought he was a really good quarterback last year,” said Kelly. “So, I have a tremendous amount of respect for him. He should be in the conversation for the top quarterbacks in the country. He’s athletic, he is sharp, (and) he throws an extremely accurate ball. I think he’s got great ball location accuracy and accuracy. It seems like he’s doing a great job decision-making this year. He can obviously beat you with his legs. He is right up there with the top quarterbacks in the country.”

UCLA is fresh from a bye and sits at 3-1 on the season. Their lone loss came just before their week of rest to the then-undefeated Utah Utes on the road. Utah’s defense was able to suffocate Kelly and the Bruins offense, beating them in a low-scoring affair 14-7. However, this week’s game against Washington State could be loaded with high-octane offense, given the way Ward and Washington State have played this year

Ward has put up some staggering numbers. Not only has he led Washington State to a 5-0 record, but he is doing it with an efficient dual-threat attack. The junior quarterback from West Columbia, TX, has thrown for 1390 yards on the season, completing nearly 75 percent of his pass attempts with 13 touchdowns and zero interceptions. He also has the most carries for the Cougars, with 41 carries while rushing for 109 yards and three rushing touchdowns.

Kelly does heap some high praise upon the Washington State quarterback. But if he wants the Bruins to walk out of Saturday’s contest victorious, his defense will need to find a way to limit Ward and his spectacular play to walk away victorious.

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