LAS VEGAS — This wasn’t shut, it doesn’t matter what the scoreboard mentioned. This was a full-blown debacle.
Given an opportunity to shortly proper issues after a season-opening blowout loss, UCLA as a substitute doubled down on disappointment.
The Bruins’ 30-23 loss to Nevada Las Vegas on Saturday night time at Allegiant Stadium showcased lots of the similar issues that had plagued them every week in the past.
The protection was gradual and infrequently out of place. The offense couldn’t maintain drives. Each large play went within the different group’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 extra time or go for the win when it received the ball again at its personal 19-yard line whereas trailing by seven factors with 2 minutes 19 seconds left.
Quarterback Nico Iamaleava shortly moved the ball downfield and into Rebels territory. However destiny intervened when a move 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 sector, although there was actually no comfort after UNLV (3-0) beat a Large Ten group 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 group’s 33-point setback in opposition to Utah, UCLA coach DeShaun Foster mentioned his group was “close” 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 essential, a loss to a Mountain West Convention opponent will undoubtedly enhance the strain 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 style after the Bruins scored a landing on their opening drive and had a primary and objective on the UNLV one-yard line after shortly stopping the Rebels.
Operating again Jalen Berger was stuffed for a one-yard loss on first down. He was then stopped for no acquire. On third down, Iamaleava momentarily appeared to have related with Kwazi Gilmer for a landing earlier than it was worn out by offensive move interference on Titus Mokiao-Atimalala.
The penalty moved the Bruins again 15 yards and, after an incompletion, Mateen Bhaghani kicked a 35-yard subject objective that shaved his group’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 subject objective gave the Bruins another likelihood after their protection received a cease to offer them the ball again.
They didn’t convert. Not even shut.
