DeShaun Foster's Biggest Concern Ahead of UCLA vs New Mexico

The Bruins' head coach sees a light at the end of this tunnel.

Aug 30, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach DeShaun Foster watches game action against the Utah Utes during the second half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

UCLA Bruins head coach DeShaun Foster doesn't carry himself like his team started a season filled with anticipation 0-2.

Perhaps he's resting on the fact that he's been here before. Last season, the Bruins started the year 1-5 but turned around and finished the year 5-7. Regardless, time is running out for any hope a seismic turnaround, and it starts with New Mexico on Friday.

During Monday's media availability, Foster detailed his biggest concern with the team after consecutive brutal losses to Utah and UNLV.

"Just finding a way to get these guys to show up in the first half," Foster said. UCLA came out flat against the Rebels, dropping 23-3 in the first half before a comeback was cut short with a Nico Iamaleava game-sealing interception, leading to the 30-23 loss.

Aug 30, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach DeShaun Foster watches game action against the Utah Utes during the second half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

"I think if we could put together two halves like we did in that second half, and play like that earlier on, then a lot of these numbers might be a little bit different. But we played a really good team in that first game. And the second game, didn't start the game necessarily the way that we wanted to, and I was just glad they were able to come out after half and start executing the way that they needed to, because a lot of it is just execution.

"I think that we're stopping ourselves more than the opponent is stopping us."

UCLA Lacks Discipline in Loss to UNLV

Aug 30, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach DeShaun Foster following the loss against the Utah Utes at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Much of UCLA's first-half struggles were self-inflicted. The Bruins finished with 14 penalties that cost them 129 yards. Even then, the Rebels committed 13 of their own for 130, but UCLA's came at much more costly times.

UCLA's offense was storming down the field on its final drive of the game before Nico Iamaleava threw a pass that was tipped up and intercepted by UNLV defensive back Aamaris Brown.

Iamaleava finished with 255 passing yards and a touchdown on 29-of-41 passing completions. He added a touchdown on the ground -- a 30-yarder -- to go along with 59 rushing yards.

The Bruins had no answer for Rebels quarterback Anthony Colandrea, who finished the game completing 15 of his 21 passing attempts for 203 yards and three touchdowns. He also did damage on the ground, rushing for 59 yards.

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