From the inception of training camp, DeShaun Foster meticulously controlled the narrative surrounding his team. Reporters were often left in the dark about the extent of their access to UCLA's practice sessions, with some days limited to merely eight minutes of stretching. The media primarily observed individual drills, field goals, and, more recently, minimal glimpses of the full offense versus defense. Photography and video were strictly prohibited, even during open practices at the Rose Bowl, where spectators faced no such restrictions. Foster opted to rely on the team’s social media posts and an internally produced video series to tell the story of his squad.
However, the narrative shifted dramatically after the Bruins' season opener, revealing that they may not be as strong as anticipated. In a disheartening loss, UCLA fell 43-10 to Utah at the Rose Bowl, showing significant weaknesses in both defense and offense. New quarterback Nico Iamaleava struggled to establish any rhythm, leading to concerns about the team's capabilities. While it’s crucial to remember that this was just one game, the defeat marked a stark regression for the Bruins, who had ended the previous season on a high note with four wins in their last six encounters.
“We went out there and, you know, we got punched in the mouth, man,” Iamaleava remarked, reflecting the team's frustration. Eleven NFL scouts, including representatives from the Rams and Chargers, likely left disappointed, especially after witnessing a UCLA defense that missed numerous tackles and failed to pressure Utah quarterback Devon Dampier. Dampier's performance was stellar, completing 21 of 25 passes for 206 yards and two touchdowns, along with rushing for 87 yards.
The turning point in the game came late in the third quarter when Dampier dashed untouched into the end zone on a fourth and goal from the UCLA two-yard line, extending Utah's lead to 30-10. The Utes amassed 492 yards of offense and converted 14 of 17 third downs, highlighting the Bruins' defensive woes. Meanwhile, Iamaleava found limited success in his first game under new offensive coordinator Tino Sunseri, completing 11 of 22 passes for 136 yards, one touchdown, and an interception that sent many fans heading for the exits.
On the ground, UCLA’s running backs struggled significantly, as tailbacks Jalen Berger, Jaivian Thomas, and Anthony Woods combined for a mere 37 yards, averaging only 2.5 yards per carry. The inability to move the ball effectively was further compounded by dropped passes, such as a critical third-down drop by wide receiver Kwazi Gilmer. “All self-inflicted,” Iamaleava described these blunders, stressing that execution was the key issue.
As halftime approached, it became evident that UCLA's preseason secrecy was justified, with Utah showcasing superior skills, leading 23-7. The Bruins’ failure to pressure Dampier was alarming, as he had ample time to operate, racking up 170 total yards (including 78 rushing) while completing 10 of his 13 passes. The only moment they seemed to disrupt Dampier was when he lost his helmet in the second quarter, which could have forced him to miss a play—had Utah not cleverly called a timeout.
After managing only two tackles for loss throughout the game, linebacker Isaiah Chisom attributed the tackling issues to a lack of discipline, stating, “With my play, it’s really about eye position.” As the Utes converted their first six third-down attempts, including a touchdown run by Wayshawn Parker, the struggles continued for UCLA’s defense.
Foster's post-game remarks emphasized the need for self-reflection and accountability: “We’ve just got to come back in, regroup and really just grade yourself and be hard on yourself.” He acknowledged the disappointment but also noted the importance of unity as the team moves forward. “They understand that we’ve got to stay together and we can’t splinter,” Foster said, highlighting the brotherhood built over the past months.
UCLA has faced a similar situation in the past, having suffered a poor start last season only to rebound later on. The hope now is that this year’s squad can turn things around more quickly, beginning with their upcoming game against Nevada Las Vegas. “The only way is up from here,” Iamaleava stated confidently. “We’ve got to continue to get better.”
