UCLA football faced another disappointing start as they struggled against New Mexico, trailing by two scores early in the game. Head coach DeShaun Foster and his staff had emphasized the need for a strong beginning throughout the week, but the Bruins could not execute their game plan effectively. The team has now found itself in a familiar position, trailing at halftime for the third consecutive week.
During the lead-up to the game, Foster acknowledged the importance of stopping the Lobos’ diverse offensive scheme, which is directed by offensive coordinator Luke Schleusner. Foster expressed confidence in his defense’s ability to handle New Mexico’s movement-heavy approach, stating, “It’s good that our defense was going against us this whole training camp with a lot of movement.” This preparation, however, did not translate to performance on the field.
The Bruins’ defense initially managed to halt New Mexico’s opening drive, marking their first success of the season in this area. Despite this early stop, UCLA quickly fell behind. The Lobos capitalized on their opportunities, dominating the ground game with a remarkable 128 rushing yards in the first half. Star running back Scottre Humphrey, who had gained over 100 yards in the previous week’s game against Idaho State, did not play in the second quarter due to injury. This did not deter New Mexico’s offensive momentum.
UCLA edge rusher Anthony Jones, a transfer from Michigan State, had expressed optimism about the Bruins’ chances against New Mexico’s offensive line. He believed that they could exploit the Lobos’ weaknesses, especially after New Mexico’s line had previously allowed nine tackles for loss and three sacks against Michigan. Unfortunately for Jones and the UCLA defense, they could not replicate that success, failing to record a sack or tackle for loss in the first half.
As the game progressed, UCLA’s struggles were evident. The Bruins entered the locker room at halftime with a significant deficit, facing criticism from fans and commentators alike. A tweet from an X user highlighted the frustration, suggesting that UCLA might be better suited for the FCS Big Sky Conference, a sentiment echoed by the conference’s official account. The tweet received a pointed response from the Big Sky’s social media administrator, indicating the growing discontent surrounding UCLA’s performance.
The Bruins’ inability to capitalize on their training and preparation leaves fans and analysts questioning the team’s future as they continue to search for their first win of the season. With the late Friday kickoff showcasing their struggles, the pressure mounts for Foster and his coaching staff to turn around the team’s fortunes as they move deeper into the 2025 season.
