Game Details:
- Matchup: New Mexico Lobos (1-1) at UCLA Bruins (0-2)
- Date: Friday, September 12
- Time: 10:00 PM EST
- Venue: Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA
- Point Spread: UCLA -15.5
- Total (Over/Under): 52.5
Setting the Scene: Desperation in the Rose Bowl
The UCLA Bruins enter their Week 3 matchup in a position few expected: winless and desperate for a victory. After a brutal 0-2 start to their season, the Bruins are heavy 15.5-point favorites at home against the 1-1 New Mexico Lobos, led by coach Bronco Mendenhall. This Friday night showdown is a critical inflection point for a UCLA program looking to avoid a disastrous 0-3 hole. Weather will not be a factor, with a clear forecast and temperatures around 70 degrees expected at kickoff.
UCLA Bruins (0-2) Outlook
The Bruins have been hit hard by injuries early in the 2025 campaign. Reports from late August confirmed the team would be “missing key players” to start the season, and that trend continues. The official injury report still lists wide receiver Rico Flores as out until October. There is a sliver of good news, as offensive lineman Tautai Li’o Marks had an estimated return date of September 6 and could provide a much-needed boost to the trenches if he’s active.
Despite their record, UCLA is favored for a reason. They have Big Ten-level talent across the roster, but it has yet to translate into the win column. The pressure is on for the Bruins to not only win but to do so convincingly against a Group of Five opponent. A sluggish performance, even in a victory, will do little to quell the concerns surrounding the team’s slow start.
New Mexico Lobos (1-1) Outlook
The Lobos enter the Rose Bowl with a chance to make a statement. After splitting their first two games, New Mexico could be getting healthier at the perfect time. According to injury reports, several key offensive players—including tight end Marcus Vinson, running back Rei Iwai, and wide receiver Kader Diop—are listed with an estimated return date of September 12, the day of the game.
If these players are available, it would provide a significant lift to an offense looking to keep pace with the Bruins. Facing a desperate and talented, yet banged-up, Power Five team on the road is a monumental task. The Lobos’ ability to exploit UCLA’s early-season struggles and put points on the board will determine if they can turn a potential blowout into a competitive game.
Prediction
UCLA is backed into a corner, and talented teams in that position often play their best football, especially at home. However, their 0-2 record and persistent injury issues make laying over two touchdowns a risky proposition. New Mexico is not a world-beater, but the potential return of several offensive starters could give them just enough firepower to hang around and keep the game within the spread.
UCLA’s defense should be strong enough to prevent an outright upset, but their struggling offense may have trouble pulling away decisively. Expect a focused but not explosive performance from the Bruins as they grind out a much-needed win. The Lobos should do just enough to cover the number.
The Pick: New Mexico +15.5
Total: Under 52.5
Predicted Score: UCLA 31, New Mexico 17
Sources:
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