Chip Kelly mentioned it several times. The main thing on offense right now is an inability to hang onto the football.

In a 36-24 defeat at Oregon State, the Bruins outgained the Beavers and lost the football game. UCLA turned the football over three times. Those turnovers led to 17 points. It was the fifth time in six games this season UCLA has had multiple turnovers.

“We can’t turn the ball over,” Kelly said Monday when he met with reporters. “It was a 12-point game and we have to do a better job offensively in all phases, especially in the turnover deal. All the turnovers came different ways. We need to protect better. We need to route-run better. And we need to throw the ball better. The front, the receivers, and the quarterback all have a part of it. We need to do a better job, especially in the turnover deal.

“You can’t lose the turnover battle on the road in this conference and expect to win a football game.”

Starting quarterback Dante Moore completed 15 of his 34 passes for 168 yards, one score, and three interceptions in the loss. On the season now, Moore is completing just 51% of his throws with 10 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

Growing pains were expected with the 5-star freshman. In recent weeks, they have been costly.

Moore has thrown pick-sixes in three consecutive games. In a 14-7 loss to Utah, one could argue that was the difference. In an eight-point win over Washington State, it wasn’t as critical. In a 12-point loss to the Beavs…

“They’re all the same,” Kelly said of their impact. “You can’t do that. You can’t give up points. Defense doesn’t even have a shot to get on the field in those situations to stop them. We’re playing well on the defensive side of the ball.

“In the two games we’ve lost, the turnovers were a real big part of that. So we’ve got to get that fixed.”

Collin Schlee had a package for UCLA on Saturday, running for 80 yards on six carries. He only threw one pass, though, and he left the game with an injury. Kelly said Monday he was not available for practice.

Ethan Garbers has thrown one pass since starting the first game of the season. Kelly was asked Monday if he was available in the game against Oregon State.

“Very much so,” Kelly answered.

Does UCLA have a quicker hook with Moore going forward if the turnovers continue? That’s a question worth asking. But Kelly isn’t concerned about Moore’s confidence amid the slump.

“I think he’s a very resilient young man,” Kelly said.

UCLA (4-2, 1-2 Pac-12) faces Stanford on the road on Saturday.