UCLA football experienced a challenging start to the season, suffering a significant defeat against Utah with a final score of 43-10 during their opener on September 2, 2023. The game marked the debut of coach DeShaun Foster for his second season and was anticipated to showcase the talents of transfer quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who previously led Tennessee to the College Football Playoff.
Disappointing Performance and Attendance
Despite the high expectations, Iamaleava’s performance fell short. He completed 11 of 22 passes for 136 yards, including one touchdown and one interception, alongside 47 rushing yards on 13 carries. His opening pass was deflected by Utah defensive end Logan Fano, setting a tone of frustration for the evening.
Utah’s quarterback, Devon Dampier, who transferred from New Mexico, outperformed Iamaleava, leading a more efficient offense while the Bruins struggled to find rhythm. The atmosphere at the Rose Bowl was stark, with a reported attendance of 35,032—a disappointing turnout given the stadium’s capacity of 91,136. The empty seats, exacerbated by tarps covering sections of the stadium, highlighted the ongoing struggles of the UCLA football program to attract fans.
Foster’s decision to schedule a marquee opponent for the season opener, rather than opting for a less competitive match, aimed to reignite interest in UCLA football. Yet, the presence of enthusiastic Utah fans contrasted sharply with the lack of support from Bruins supporters, many of whom appeared to have opted out of attending.
Challenges Ahead for the Bruins
The defeat underscored a broader issue for UCLA, as the football program continues to recover from a series of disappointing seasons under former coach Chip Kelly. The Bruins’ struggles, including records of 3-9, 4-8, and 3-4 during Kelly’s first three years, have significantly impacted attendance and the overall perception of the brand.
To counteract this trend, UCLA may need to explore innovative strategies to engage fans. Options such as promotional ticket offers or family deals could potentially draw more spectators to the Rose Bowl. As Foster noted, the responsibility also lies with players to improve their on-field performance and rebuild the fan base’s trust.
After the game, Iamaleava remained optimistic. “The guys in the locker room, we’re all still together,” he stated. “We know that we can be better than what we displayed, and yeah, man, the only way is up from here.” Foster echoed this sentiment, highlighting Iamaleava’s competitive spirit and determination to motivate his teammates despite the rocky start.
While the challenges are clear, the Bruins have the opportunity to turn their season around. With the right adjustments and a commitment to improvement, they could reclaim their status in college football and restore the excitement among their fanbase. The path ahead may be difficult, but as Iamaleava stated, “Everything we want is still ahead of us.”
