UCLA football game fell short on Saturday night as the Bruins battled UNLV in Las Vegas. Despite a strong second-half effort, UCLA lost 30-23, leaving fans hoping for a better outcome in week two. Redshirt-sophomore quarterback Nico Iamaleava showed improvement from week one, completing 29 passes for 255 yards. He threw one touchdown but also had a crucial late interception. Iamaleava added 59 rushing yards on 11 carries, leading the Bruins on the ground.
UCLA (0-2, 0-0 Big Ten) outgained UNLV (3-0, 0-0 Mountain West) in total yards, 428-351, and converted 2 of 3 third-down attempts in the fourth quarter. The Bruins scored 10 points in the final 15 minutes, showing resilience even as the deficit grew. Redshirt-senior linebacker JonJon Vaughns led UCLA’s defense with 10 tackles. Isaiah Chisom contributed nine tackles, while Kechaun Bennett and Anthony Jones each recorded a sack. Despite solid defensive efforts, UNLV managed to score on key drives.
The game began with multiple penalties. UNLV committed holding and illegal shift penalties, while UCLA was flagged for pass interference. UCLA’s defense slowed the Rebels, forcing a 50-yard field goal. UCLA’s first offensive drive featured a 32-yard run by Javian Thomas and a short gain by Jalen Berger. Penalties and failed third-down attempts forced the Bruins to punt. UNLV responded quickly, scoring in six plays to lead 10-0 before halftime.
UCLA’s second drive showed promise as Berger gained 15 yards, and Iamaleava scrambled to convert a fourth-and-one. However, the Bruins failed to secure a first down, and UNLV scored again after a 10-play, 87-yard drive. Thomas made a 12-yard catch, and Iamaleava connected with Kwazi Gilmer and Anthony Woods on short gains. But a fourth-and-one fumble stopped the drive, giving the Rebels possession. UNLV scored a touchdown but missed the extra point, extending their lead to 23-3 at halftime.
The Bruins opened the third quarter with a renewed offense. Iamaleava completed back-to-back passes to Titus Mokiao-Atimalala and Gilmer for 22 yards. Anthony Woods added an 18-yard gain, and Iamaleava connected with Jack Pederson and Mokiao-Atimalala for another 30 yards. UNLV’s pass interference penalty set up a first-and-goal at the 10-yard line. Woods ran for six yards, and freshman tight end Noah Fox-Flores scored his first career touchdown. Kicker Mateen Bhaghani added the extra point, bringing UCLA within 23-10.
Cole Martin broke up a long UNLV pass, and the Bruins forced a quick three-and-out. Iamaleava then led another drive, throwing for 24 yards and rushing 53 yards. He scored a 30-yard touchdown run, narrowing the gap to 30-20 with under nine minutes left. UCLA kept pushing. Berger and Thomas gained key yards, while penalties helped the Bruins move closer to the end zone. Bhaghani kicked a 33-yard field goal, trimming the deficit to 30-23 with 5:25 remaining.
Despite strong defensive plays and several first-down conversions, UCLA could not complete the comeback. Iamaleava’s final pass was intercepted at the UNLV 13-yard line. The Rebels ran out the clock to secure the 30-23 win. UCLA football game showed growth in the second half, with Iamaleava and the offense improving. However, early mistakes, turnovers, and penalties allowed UNLV to build a lead that proved too difficult to overcome. The Bruins will look to continue improving as they face future conference opponents.
