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Big Sky Conference trolls UCLA amid first-half struggles vs. New Mexico

ns_headshot_2024-clearby: Nick Schultz4 hours agoNickSchultz_7
UCLA HC DeShaun Foster
© Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Amid a rough first half against New Mexico on Friday, UCLA caught a stray from the Big Sky Conference. The league responded to a post from @RedditCFB joking the Bruins could look into joining, but the conference’s social media quickly responded with, “No thank you.”

UCLA allowed 14 straight points to start the game, meaning the Bruins still have not had a lead this year. They finally found the end zone in the second quarter to make it a 14-7 ballgame.

As the highlight of New Mexico’s second touchdown made its way around social media, @RedditCFB joked UCLA was “reportedly exploring a move” to the Big Sky. It’s safe to say, the conference’s X account wasn’t having it.

UCLA totaled 216 yards of offense in the first half, led by 123 on 11-of-14 passing from Nico Iamaleava. He also threw the Bruins’ lone touchdown, finding Titus Mokiao-Atimalala for the score. The running game stalled, though, with just 93 yards on the ground. Iamaleava had 29 of them while Anthony Woods led the charge with 53 – including a late 33-yarder as the clock hit halftime.

Penalties were also an issue for UCLA. The Bruins were flagged eight times for 76 yards in the first two quarters, and DeShaun Foster’s clock management also came under scrutiny in the final minute.

UCLA entered Friday’s game 0-2 and has not held a lead at any point through the opening games. That includes last time out against UNLV, which saw the Bruins make a late surge before Iamaleava threw a game-sealing interception in the fourth quarter. Through two games, the Tennessee transfer has completed 40 of 63 passes for 391 yards and two touchdowns, along with two picks.

As for the rocky start, Foster said it’s still about building chemistry with the UCLA wide receivers. The goal, once they get more reps, is things will click 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. 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.”