DeShaun Foster addresses lack of chemistry between Nico Iamaleava, UCLA receivers

DeShaun Foster had to address the lack of chemistry between QB Nico Iamaleava and the UCLA wide receivers on Monday. So far, the Bruins’ offense has been out of sync.

Through two games, Iamaleava has 391 yards, two touchdowns, two interceptions and a 63.5% completion percentage. UCLA is now 0-2 to start the season.

Foster chalked it up to getting more reps between Iamaleava and his receivers. For UCLA’s sake, the program hopes it happens soon.

“It’s just more of, just the reps,” Foster said. “Anytime you can get reps with guys, it just helps, you know? I’m sure–well, Aaron Rodgers went out there and won a game, but he’s different. [Laughs] But I’m just sure some of those guys would have wanted more reps with their quarterback and stuff. It’s just a situation that the more reps you get, the more comfortable you can be and you can anticipate where guys are going to be at certain spots at certain times.”

UCLA has a short week with a Friday night home game against New Mexico. Foster was asked about game prep with less practice days before playing their third game of the season. Considering Iamaleava and the offense being a little uneven, it was a fair point.

“It doesn’t really, you know, we were able to get a good practice in and get the corrections done yesterday,” Foster said. “You know, nobody on the team was upset or anything. They understood. It’s a short week, so you got to get back out there on a Sunday in this place. It just felt good that they actually were able to respond today, also, too. So Monday was a really good practice, especially being in pads, we came out here and practiced hard and executed they way they needed to.”

There’s an element to the offense, the run-pass option. Foster was asked how Iamaleava has handled that part of the game, considering he has 106 rushing yards and a touchdown.

“A combination of both,” Foster said. “There’s some that I’m sure he would have wanted to hand it off or pull, so it’s a thin line, you know? I think that he’s doing a good job of leading this offense and continuously being tough and whenever his number’s called, being ready.”

UCLA and Iamaleava are set for a Friday night kickoff against New Mexico. Kickoff is set for 10:00 p.m ET.