Looking back on UCLA's 2025 season as UNLV moves UCLA to 0-2 and reeling

UCLA was looking to bounce back in their second game of the season in 2025. After a disappointing opening week against Utah that saw them lose 43-10. They were looking for consistency and to even up their record at 1-1. They were favorites and fully expected to beat UNLV in this game. The game did not go as the Bruins had hoped and UNLV jumped out to a 17-0 lead and the team was looking hopeless. The tackling issues continued, and the offense continued to stall out.

UCLA got a field goal going into halftime to make it 23-3 and then a really nice drive to open the second half to score a touchdown and make it 23-10. They were hoping that would be the spark to help them make a comeback. As they entered the fourth quarter, they went down 30-13 and went on a small run with a touchdown and field goal to make it 30-23. They were driving to try and tie the game before a game sealing interception by UNLV ended it. Leading to their 30-23 win and UCLA heading to 0-2.

With the Bruins playing from behind most of the game. They had to abandon the running game, which was a staple of the 2025 season. Nico Iamaleava was on the move quite a bit as the offensive line broke down in front of him. He ran 11 times for 59 yards and threw for 259 yards on the night. Jaivian Thomas led the backfield with five carries for 43 yards. Anthony Woods also had eight carries for 40 yards. Showing the running game worked but being down by so much they needed chunk plays fast.

The tackling issues continued from the Utah game. The defense looked lost on the field at times. Anthony Colandrea went 15-21 for 203 yards and three touchdowns on the day. It didn’t help that the Bruins had 14 penalties for 129 yards. While also continuing to struggle on third and fourth down that would be another downfall for the 2025 season. The Bruins defense could never get off the field when they needed it the most. It continued a disappointing start to the 2025 season after the Utah game.