In Week 3 of the 2025 College Football season, the New Mexico Lobos travel to face the UCLA Bruins at the iconic Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. The game is set for Friday, September 12, 2025, with a late kickoff at 10:00 PM, broadcasted on BTN. This night game presents an opportunity for both teams to make significant strides in their respective seasons. The New Mexico Lobos, hailing from the Mountain West Conference, enter the game with a 1-1 record. They secured a victory at home against Idaho State, 32-22, but faced a setback on the road against Michigan, losing 34-17. Their road performance will be crucial as they seek their first away win of the season. On the other hand, the UCLA Bruins, part of the Big Ten Conference, are still searching for their first win of the season. With an 0-2 record, they suffered defeats against Utah at home and UNLV on the road. Playing at home, they aim to reverse their fortunes and capitalize on the familiar turf of the Rose Bowl.
UCLA vs New Mexico At a Glance
- Game Location: Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA
- Game Time: Friday, September 12, 2025 at 10:00 PM
- TV Channel: BTN
- New Mexico Record: 1-1 overall, 0-1 on the road
- UCLA Record: 0-2 overall, 0-1 at home
- Game Odds: UCLA favored by 15.5 points
UCLA Bruins Gearing Up for the Battle: A Deep Dive into the Upcoming Game
Offensive Analysis
The UCLA Bruins’ offense is currently ranked 57th in points scored this season, averaging 33 points per game. Their passing game ranks 79th with 391 yards, which indicates a need for improvement to compete at a higher level. The rushing attack stands at 84th, amassing 257 yards, highlighting the need for a more balanced offensive strategy.
In their recent game against UNLV, the Bruins managed 255 passing yards and 173 rushing yards. Despite these efforts, they fell short in scoring, underscoring the importance of converting yardage into points. Improving efficiency in the red zone could be crucial for their upcoming games.
Defensive Overview
Defensively, UCLA ranks 60th in points allowed, having given up 73 points in their last two games. Their sack numbers are promising, ranking 9th with two sacks, showing their ability to apply pressure on opposing quarterbacks. However, the lack of interceptions and fumbles recovered remains a concern for their defense.
The Bruins’ defensive performance against Utah allowed 43 points, with significant yardage conceded both on the ground and through the air. Strengthening their secondary and improving their run defense will be vital in reducing scoring opportunities for their opponents.
Key Players to Watch
Quarterback Nico Iamaleava, with 391 passing yards and two touchdowns, stands as the central figure in UCLA’s offense. His ability to connect with receivers and maintain composure under pressure will be key for the Bruins. Running back Anthony Woods has shown potential but needs to increase his rushing output to provide a more balanced offensive approach.
Wide receiver Kwazi Gilmer leads the team with 118 receiving yards, and his role in stretching the field will be important. On the defensive side, maintaining pressure through sacks and developing a turnover-focused mentality will be crucial for disrupting opposing offenses.
UCLA Betting Trends
- SU All Games: 0-2 (0.0%)
- SU as Favorite: 0-1 (0.0%)
- SU as Underdog: 0-1 (0.0%)
- ATS All Games: 0-2 (0.0%)
- ATS as Favorite: 0-1 (0.0%)
- ATS as Underdog: 0-1 (0.0%)
- O/U All Games: 1-1 (50.0%)
- O/U as Favorite: 0-1 (0.0%)
- O/U as Underdog: 1-0 (100.0%)
New Mexico Lobos Prepare for Showdown at the Rose Bowl
Offensive Overview
The New Mexico Lobos offense has experienced a mixed start to the 2025 season. With a ranking of 87th in passing yards, they have accumulated 372 yards through the air. On the ground, they rank 80th with 269 rushing yards, showcasing their ability to maintain a balanced offensive attack.
In terms of scoring, the Lobos have put up 49 points this season, ranking 44th. This reflects a solid offensive output that can challenge opponents, provided they continue to find consistency in both their passing and rushing games.
Defensive Analysis
Defensively, the Lobos have shown potential, especially in turnovers. They rank 2nd in interceptions with one pick and have recovered a fumble, placing them 5th in that category. This opportunistic defense can be a game-changer in tight contests.
However, the Lobos have allowed 56 points against them, ranking 46th in this area. This suggests room for improvement, particularly in controlling the scoreboard and containing opposing offenses.
Key Players to Watch
Quarterback Jack Layne has been pivotal for the Lobos, throwing for 363 yards over two games, though he has also thrown three interceptions. His decision-making and ability to protect the ball will be crucial moving forward.
On the ground, Scottre Humphrey leads the rushing attack with 174 yards and two touchdowns, providing a dependable option for the Lobos’ offensive schemes. His performance could be instrumental in balancing their offensive strategies.
Recent Performance
The Lobos started their season with a loss to Michigan, 34-17, where their rushing game struggled with only 51 yards. They rebounded with a victory over Idaho State, 32-22, demonstrating their ability to adjust and improve.
In the win against Idaho State, the Lobos excelled on the ground with 218 rushing yards, a significant improvement from their previous outing. This suggests their offense is finding its rhythm as the season progresses.
Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 1-1 (50.0%)
- SU as Favorite: 1-0 (100.0%)
- ATS Last 3: 1-1 (50.0%)
- ATS as Favorite: 1-0 (100.0%)
- O/U Last 3: 1-1 (50.0%)
- O/U in Away Games: 1-0 (100.0%)
UCLA vs New Mexico Prediction: Under 52.5
The upcoming game between UCLA and New Mexico presents an intriguing matchup, particularly when considering the over/under line set at 52.5. Both teams have had their struggles offensively, with New Mexico scoring 49 points and UCLA managing just 33 points so far this season. These offensive numbers suggest that hitting the over might be challenging unless both teams experience a sudden offensive surge.
Defensively, New Mexico has allowed 56 points, while UCLA has given up 73 points over their first two games. While these defenses have shown vulnerability, it’s important to note that both teams have yet to demonstrate consistent scoring ability to exploit these weaknesses fully. The outdoor setting at the Rose Bowl can also play a role in limiting offensive output, especially in a night game.
Considering the current form of both teams, it seems more likely that the game will fall under the total of 52.5. The offenses have yet to find their rhythm, and this game might be a battle of attrition rather than an offensive showcase. Given UCLA’s struggles at home and New Mexico’s road record, expecting a high-scoring game seems optimistic.
With these factors in mind, a projected final score of UCLA 24 – New Mexico 21 aligns with the under. This prediction reflects both teams’ current offensive struggles and defensive capabilities, leading to a game where points will be at a premium.
- UCLA vs New Mexico Prediction: Under 52.5
- UCLA vs New Mexico Score: UCLA 24 – New Mexico 21
