UCLA loses to New Mexico, falls to 0-3 to start season

UCLA entered Friday night hoping to right the ship after a rough start to the season. The Bruins were 0-2 to start the year and had not led through the first two games.

That trend continued Friday night. Penalties mounted for DeShaun Foster’s group and the UCLA offense struggled as New Mexico got the upset victory at the Rose Bowl.

Nico Iamaleava had a solid first half before the passing attack stalled after halftime. He finished the night 22-for-34 for 217 yards and a touchdown, along with an interception, while adding 33 rushing yards to the effort.

New Mexico also used a high-powered rushing attack to take full control, topping 200 yards on the ground early in the fourth quarter. Damon Bankston led the charge with 154 yards and two total touchdowns – including the backbreaking 43-yard rushing score with 7:06 remaining in the game. DJ McKinney also took a team-high 20 carries for 86 yards and a touchdown, as well. Quarterback Jack Layne was efficient, as well, going 12 for 16 for 152 yards and two touchdowns.

The Lobos pushed through the UCLA defense, which allowed 450 total yards as it struggled to stop the run. Additionally, the Bruins committed 13 penalties on the night, amounting to 116 yards and nearly doubling the amount of flags they drew across their first two games combined.

Iamaleava, the Tennessee transfer, was also looking to find consistency as he settles into his new scheme. He entered Friday with 391 yards on 40-of-63 passing to go with two touchdowns and two interceptions. In the early going against New Mexico, he got off to a solid start with 123 yards on 11-of-14 passing through the first half. However, he would throw for just 94 after halftime.

As for the up-and-down start, Foster said earlier this week 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.”