Here is a look at three Bruins who will have a positive impact on guiding UCLA to victory over UNLV.
The team will not give up on the run, DeShaun Foster has made clear. In the strategy against UNLV, Thomas ought to see a rise in carries and a bigger part.
Thomas, a transfer from Cal, finished as one of the top running backs in the transfer portal after a stellar sophomore campaign in which he amassed 626 rushing yards on 100 carries. He is looking to have a breakout game, and he looks to do so against a UNLV run defense that gave up 160 yards on the ground against Idaho State and 145 yards rushing yards allowed against Sam Houston.
In his freshman season last year, Gilmer showed promise by catching 31 passes for 345 yards and two touchdowns in 10 games. This suggests that he has the potential to make a significant contribution to the offense in week two against the Rebels' secondary.
Gilmer is a vital member of the receiving corps, particularly in light of the departure of other important players from last season. He had three receptions for 31 yards in the Utah game but looks to have a breakout game against UNLV.
Early in the season, UNLV's pass defense has been a liability, giving up 291.0 passing yards in their first two games. Additionally, they have allowed wide receivers to gain 14.5 yards per reception. Gilmer has a chance to have a productive day with the possibility of getting a touchdown or two.
In this game, Iamaleava will make use of his athleticism and leg-playing skills. He led the team in rushing with 47 yards, despite being sacked four times versus Utah. It will be crucial to keep the UNLV defense off-balance by utilizing his movement to prolong plays and as a genuine rushing threat on planned runs.
Iamaleava admitted that the team's performance versus Utah was primarily the result of poor execution. Iamaleava may reduce the self-inflicted errors that beset him in his debut game by concentrating on his progressions, avoiding forced passes, and making snap judgments.
He is looking to have a bounce back game and even though this game is on the road, look for him, Gilmer, and Thomas to have positive impacts leading UCLA to a win against UNLV in week two play.