UCLA Bruins vs New Mexico Lobos Prediction & Picks - NCAA
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by Travis Pulver | in NCAA Picks
The UCLA Bruins will try to get on the right side of the scoreboard this week when they host the New Mexico Lobos. Fans can follow the action on the Big Ten Network when the game kicks off at 10 p.m. EST on Friday, Sept. 12, at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA.
It has been a rough start to the season for the Bruins. They opened against Utah and got dominated, 43-10. They were competitive last weekend against UNLV but still lost in the end, 30-23. There was some buzz around the team after the team acquired quarterback Nico Iamaleava from Tennessee. But, so far, his play has been nothing special. He’s had as many turnovers (two interceptions, one fumble) as touchdowns (two passing, one rushing). As for New Mexico, the Lobos are off to a 1-1 start under new head coach Jason Eck. They had a tough one out of the gate against Michigan. Outside of two quick touchdowns for the Wolverines to start the game, they didn’t look too bad against a superior Big Ten team. They couldn’t run the ball, so they ended up using the short passing game in place of a rushing attack. Two of Jack Layne’s three interceptions led to points for the Bruins.
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UCLA Bruins vs New Mexico Lobos Form
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UCLA Bruins and New Mexico Lobos Latest Matches
0/6 (0%)
6/6 (100%)
Sep 6, 2025 - NCAA
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0/3 (0%)
3/3 (100%)
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3/3 (100%)
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1/2 (50%)
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1/1 (100%)
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Sep 6, 2025 - NCAA
0/1 (0%)
1/1 (100%)
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UCLA Bruins - New Mexico Lobos Key Points
- This will be the second meeting between the two programs. UCLA won the first on Christmas Day in 2002, 27-13.
- New Mexico had to come from behind and score 15 unanswered fourth-quarter points to beat Idaho State (an FCS team), 32-22, last week.
- UNLV outgained UNLV last week 428 to 351 but still lost by seven 30-23.
- Betting Public: in early betting, 95% of moneyline tickets and 92% of the handle are on UCLA.
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Our UCLA Bruins vs New Mexico Lobos Prediction
I can’t help but wonder if UCLA is getting 14.5 points because the Bruins are a Power 4 team coming from the Big Ten and because Nico Iamaleava was a beast for Tennessee last season. The Bruins looked terrible against Utah and didn’t look any better against UNLV. As for New Mexico, the Lobos at least appeared to learn something from Weeks 1 to 2—their strength is in the run game. They worked to establish the run against Idaho State, and Scottre Humphrey had 148 yards and two touchdowns. UCLA should win, but I think they'll struggle to stop New Mexico's run game, making for a closer contest than expected.
Our UCLA vs. New Mexico Pick: Lobos +14.5
All tips are fully researched and given in good faith, but profits cannot be guaranteed.
