LAS VEGAS — This wasn’t shut, it doesn’t matter what the scoreboard mentioned. This was a full-blown debacle.
Given an opportunity to rapidly proper issues after a season-opening blowout loss, UCLA as an alternative doubled down on disappointment.
The Bruins’ 30-23 loss to Nevada Las Vegas on Saturday evening at Allegiant Stadium showcased most of the similar issues that had plagued them per week in the past.
The protection was sluggish and infrequently out of place. The offense couldn’t maintain drives. Each large play went within the different crew’s favor.
Ten consecutive factors within the fourth quarter did little to salvage issues.
Because of some questionable Rebels playcalling, UCLA had an opportunity to power time beyond regulation or go for the win when it bought the ball again at its personal 19-yard line whereas trailing by seven factors with 2 minutes 19 seconds left.
Quarterback Nico Iamaleava rapidly moved the ball downfield and into Rebels territory. However destiny intervened when a go was tipped by Nevada Las Vegas’ Marsel McDuffie and intercepted by Aamaris Brown on the UNLV 13-yard line with 52 seconds left, ending the Bruins’ comeback hopes.
Tight finish Hudson Habermehl patted Iamaleava on the helmet because the quarterback got here off the sphere, although there was actually no comfort after UNLV (3-0) beat a Massive Ten crew for the primary time since topping Wisconsin in 2003.
UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava passes in opposition to UNLV within the first half of the Bruins’ 30-23 loss Saturday at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
(Ian Maule / Getty Photographs)
After reviewing the footage of his crew’s 33-point setback in opposition to Utah, UCLA coach DeShaun Foster mentioned his crew was “shut” to the place it wanted to be.
The place are the Bruins now?
In a scary place. They’re 0-2 for the primary time since they misplaced their first three video games in 2019 on the best way to ending 4-8.
Extra vital, a loss to a Mountain West Convention opponent will undoubtedly enhance the stress on Foster early in his second season. Can his protection cease anyone? Why isn’t an offense led by Iamaleava extra productive?
A promising third quarter for UCLA was shaping up in nice vogue after the Bruins scored a landing on their opening drive and had a primary and aim on the UNLV one-yard line after rapidly stopping the Rebels.
Operating again Jalen Berger was stuffed for a one-yard loss on first down. He was then stopped for no achieve. On third down, Iamaleava momentarily appeared to have linked with Kwazi Gilmer for a landing earlier than it was worn out by offensive go interference on Titus Mokiao-Atimalala.
The penalty moved the Bruins again 15 yards and, after an incompletion, Mateen Bhaghani kicked a 35-yard discipline aim that shaved his crew’s deficit to 23-13.
UNLV appeared to have put the sport away with a landing early within the fourth quarter, however Iamaleava’s 30-yard landing run and one other Bhaghani discipline aim gave the Bruins yet another likelihood after their protection bought a cease to provide them the ball again.
They didn’t convert. Not even shut.
