In A Must-Win Game, UCLA Bruins Look To These Answers To Beat New Mexico

The UCLA Bruins offense has spent two weeks chasing the game from behind instead of controlling it, and this is the week to flip that script vs New Mexico.

The Bruins do not need gadgetry or hero throws to settle in, but they do need a clean open, fewer penalties, and a plan that gives Nico Iamaleava fast answers.

A steady first quarter sets the tone for everything that follows, especially for a unit that has lived in long yardage far too often.

UCLA Bruins Set The Tone Early

UCLA needs a first quarter that looks controlled and confident. Open with rhythm throws, simple motions, and a steady cadence so the offense breathes.

It’s A Great Day To Be Alive And Be A Bruin! Check Out Our Custom UCLA Bruins Merch!

A couple of clean drives to start will calm the building and let everything else fall in line. A few drives like the Utah game, and they might be in trouble.

Establish The Run

The Bruins are big favorites, so lean on that edge up front. Win double teams, stay on schedule, and feed the backs until New Mexico proves it can hold up.

Thomas should be in for a good game as well as Woods and Nico himself. A dependable ground game makes third downs shorter and keeps the entire playbook available.

Keep Nico Iamaleava Comfortable

Give Nico Iamaleava a game that feels predictable in a good way. Defined reads, quick answers, and selective shots when coverage presents them will keep him in rhythm.

Protect the football, take the easy completion, and let explosives come from play action.

Own The Details

Penalties and drops have dragged this offense. Clean operation on substitutions and cadence, crisp routes at the sticks, and two feet down on the boundary will turn stalled drives into points.

Truly embody Foster’s DRE by reducing the flags and getting the small things right.

Win Money Downs

This matchup should tilt on third downs and the red zone. Convert the short ones with the run game and tight ends, then finish drives with simple high-low concepts or a downhill carry.

Field goals are fine early, but the standard is touchdowns when the ball crosses the 20.

Stay Balanced, Not Cute

There is no need to chase trick looks. Mix run and pass, change the launch point occasionally, and force the Lobos to defend every gap and blade of grass.

The best version of this offense plays fast mentally and avoids self-inflicted wounds.

Close Like A Favorite

If the UCLA Bruins build a lead, they should bleed the clock with the run game, control field position, and protect the ball.

A clean, professional finish sends the right message heading into the next stretch, and it is exactly what a heavy favorite should deliver at home.