New Mexico crushes UCLA with dominant rushing performance

On September 12, 2025, in California, New Mexico's football team defeated UCLA 35-10 at the Rose Bowl, marking the Lobos' first victory against a Big Ten opponent. This game saw Damon Bankston achieving a notable performance, rushing for 154 yards and scoring a touchdown, in addition to catching a 43-yard touchdown pass. Jack Layne contributed by throwing for 152 yards and two touchdowns. The Lobos' offense was particularly effective, rushing for 298 yards on 46 carries, overwhelming UCLA's defense, which struggled throughout the game. New Mexico entered the match as a 15.5-point underdog yet showcased a commanding performance, taking control early. The struggling UCLA team, now 0-3 for the season, faced numerous challenges, including a lackluster start and an abundance of penalties - 13 infractions totaling 116 yards. Despite a momentary comeback with a touchdown pass from quarterback Nico Iamaleava and a field goal that narrowed the gap to 14-10, UCLA could not sustain momentum. New Mexico's relentless rushing attack ultimately stifled any hopes of a comeback, effectively sealing their victory with a strong drive culminating in a touchdown run from Bankston. This match not only showcased New Mexico's potential but also underscored UCLA's continuing struggles. With the defeat, UCLA's problems appear deep-rooted, as they have consistently struggled in non-conference games, being outscored 30-0 in first quarters across the season. Additionally, the game was played in front of a sparsely populated Rose Bowl, reflecting the team and fanbase's decreasing morale. The commentary around the game noted that fans are dissatisfied with the current state of UCLA football, highlighting the significant contrast between the school's glorious past and its current performances. Coach Jason Eck's leadership seems to be breaking through for New Mexico; however, UCLA's future looks uncertain. While New Mexico can celebrate this remarkable achievement as a hallmark win, UCLA must contend with the reality of rebuilding—and whether they will find success as they open conference play against Northwestern on September 27 remains to be seen. The Los Angeles venue, once synonymous with triumph, now mirrors the disturbing reality of the Bruins' performance, leaving fans and analysts questioning the direction of the program and if improvement is on the horizon in the upcoming games.