49ers Knock Off The Rams In Overtime

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October 2, 2025

INGLEWOOD, CA– On Thursday, October 2nd the Los Angeles Rams hosted the injury plagued 49ers at Sofi Stadium, an instant classic 26-23 Overtime win for the Niners. On fourth down at the Niners 11-yard line, Head Coach Sean McVay made the controversial call to go for the win.

The gamble failed as the 49ers built a wall that shut down the Rams on the critical fourth down to end the game. Turnovers and horrible special teams down the stretch cost the Rams another agonizing defeat.

Thursday night’s win has to be one of the most satisfying of 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan’s career. It’s certainly one of the most impressive. And dramatic.

The 49ers kept the game alive in regulation with a forced fumble at the goal line with just over a minute to go, and even after the Rams got a stop and forced overtime on a field goal with two seconds left in regulation, their defense got a stop on a fourth-and-1 run by Williams — a call from Sean McVay to keep going for the win and not settle for a tie — setting off a celebration.

It was a bad call in which McVay blamed himself during the postgame conference. The play selection was very poor,” McVay said. “I’m sick right now because I put our players in a bad spot. I’ve got to live with that.”

The 49ers pulled off one of the shocking upsets of the early NFL season, ignoring multiple injuries for a 26-23 win over a Rams team that was 3-1 coming into Thursday’s game. The 49ers were without their quarterback, three starting receivers, an All-Pro tight end and one of the best defensive players in the NFL.

Stepping in for Brock Purdy at Quarterback was Mac Jones. His performance was special, going way beyond stats. Jones endured hit after jarring hit, refusing to leave the game.

San Francisco was missing Brock Purdy, Ricky Pearsall, Jauan Jennings, Brandon Aiyuk, George Kittle and Nick Bosa. That’s practically all of their starting skill position players and a perennial NFL Defensive Player of the Year candidate.

The Rams scored late in the second quarter, but the 49ers came back and got a field goal. Somehow, the road team with more than a handful of stars out had a 17-7 lead at the half. They were underdogs but they didn’t act like it.

Matthew Stafford had a rough start but got hot in the second half. Puka Nacua continued his dominance with a touchdown catch, and then Williams caught a second touchdown pass, Stafford’s third of the night.

That touchdown tied it 20-20 in the fourth quarter, though the extra point was missed and the game remained tied.

In Overtime, the Rams had a possession to either tie or win it. Stafford immediately got the Rams into field-goal range with a 28-yard pass. On a fourth-and-1, the Rams went for it and the Niners stuffed Williams for no gain.

Rams Win Late

By

Christopher Floch

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September 28, 2025

Inglewood, CA- After last Sundays crushing loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, the Rams rallied for a thrilling 27-20 win over the previously unbeaten Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, September 28th.

A late 88-yard touchdown pass from Stafford to Wide Receiver Tutu Atwell under two minutes proved to be the game winning score, as the fans at SoFi Stadium went wild.

Stafford passed for 375 yards and three touchdowns, including the longest TD throw of his 17-year NFL career. Los Angeles tied it on his 9-yard TD pass to Puka Nacua, who finished with 13 catches for a career-high 170 yards.

While the Rams (3-1) earned a gritty comeback win by scoring two TDs in the final 3:20, the Colts (3-1) couldn’t overcome Mitchell’s mind-boggling fumble right before the receiver crossed the goal line with what was about to be a 76-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter.

“It felt great,” Atwell said. “It’s something I’ve been doing my whole (football) career. I’m happy, but it’s something I’m capable of, and I’m glad we got the win.”

There was still time for Colts Quarterback Daniel Jones and the potent offense to even the score, and send the game into overtime.

Stafford said Atwell was “the last thought in my head jogging out on the field” before the TD throw, but he pounced when Colts cornerback Mekhi Blackmon fell down in coverage. Indianapolis safety Camryn Bynum also said his defense only had 10 men on the field.

Kam Curl stopped any chance of a Colts comeback with his second interception of the day with 53 seconds left, and the Rams ran out the clock on an ecstatic win featuring four lead changes.

Jones passed for 262 yards for the Colts, who also had a 53-yard rushing TD by Jonathan Taylor taken off the board by a holding call on Mitchell with 2:15 to play.

There won’t be much time for celebration, as the Rams will be hosting their arch nemesis, the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday night at SoFi. Both teams are at a mark of (3-1), which means the victor will sit atop the NFC West.

The game will air on Fox, as well as Amazon Prime. Kickoff is slated for 5:15 pm.

Inconsistent play plagues Colorado after falling to (24) BYU 24-21

By

Devon Martinez

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September 27, 2025

Boulder, CU – The Colorado Buffaloes fell to (24) BYU at Folsom Field on Sept. 27, despite holding a 14-3 lead early and controlling much of the game. Their record now stands at 2-3 after another inconsistent performance.

“We had opportunities. We just didn’t make it happen. If you slow down and watch the film, you’re going to see tremendous opportunities,” Coach Deion Sanders said at the post-game press conference. “And that’s unfortunate, because you go over and over those same situations at practice all week, and you see it happening in the same defense. It’s not like you were tricked into anything.”

Colorado Kaidon Salter (3) scrambles for a first down in the second quarter against BYU at Folsom Field in Boulder, CO on Saturday September 27, 2025. BYU won 24 to 21. (Photo by Laura Domingue/fi360 News)

Colorado scored a touchdown on their initial 11-play, 75-yard drive, which started with a completion from senior Kaiden Salter to sophomore Joseph Williams. The drive included three pass completions, 31 yards rushing, and concluded with a 3-yard rushing touchdown by Salter.

Colorado’s defense then stopped BYU’s attempt on a 4th and 2 at Colorado’s 38-yard line and forced four incomplete passes during that possession.

Sophomore Micah Welsh gained 27 yards on the first play of Colorado’s next drive. Subsequently, Dre’lon Miller, a Colorado receiver, rushed for 30 yards using the same play three times, scoring a five-yard touchdown after a BYU face mask penalty.

Miller ended the game with 79 rushing yards on 10 carries and two touchdowns.

Colorado Dre’Lon Miller (6) is tackled by BYU Tommy Prassas (22) in the first quarter at Folsom Field in Boulder, CO on Saturday September 27, 2025. BYU won 24 to 21. (Photo by Laura Domingue/fi360 News)

Colorado was unable to maintain the momentum established in its first two drives.

“Yeah, we had a good first quarter,” Salter said. “Of course, they spied me after that first quarter, but overall, they just made some good adjustments. Then we have to adjust when they adjust”

BYU scored a field goal and a touchdown. Colorado had three drives before halftime—two punts and one turnover on downs.

BYU scored late in the second half to secure their first lead of the game with a 9-play, 74-yard drive. Colorado quickly answered with a 74-yard, six-play drive that concluded with a touchdown pass from Salter to Miller. This was Colorado’s final touchdown of the game, giving them a 21-17 lead. BYU regained the lead with another touchdown shortly afterwards.

BYU Bear Bachmeier (47) makes a pass in the second quarter against Colorado at Folsom Field in Boulder, CO on Saturday September 27, 2025. BYU won 24 to 21. (Photo by Laura Domingue/fi360 News)

On BYU’s following possession, a missed field goal allowed Colorado another opportunity, but they were unable to advance the ball and subsequently punted twice. Colorado’s last drive ended as Salter threw an interception with 50 seconds remaining.

Colorado’s result against BYU follows a previous win over Wyoming, where concerns about finishing after taking an early lead were noted. Similar issues occurred in this matchup.

BYU LJ Martin (4) carries the ball while Colorado Carter Stoutmire (23) gives chase in the fourth quarter at Folsom Field in Boulder, CO on Saturday September 27, 2025. BYU won 24 to 21. (Photo by Laura Domingue/fi360 News)

“We talked about focusing and finishing before the game, we talked about it at halftime, and we told them what was going to happen,” Sanders said. “We’re not going to play. We barely play the things that I say when we lose, but if you hear them, we pretty much dictated what was going to happen if we didn’t change the way we went about our job. We have to do a much better job on the back end.” 2-3 Colorado heads to 3-1 TCU on Oct. 4^that 5:30 p.m. mountain time.

Los Angeles Chargers Are Electrifying The NFL

By

Christopher Floch

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September 21, 2025

INGLEWOOD, CA-– It’s been a Bolt of lighting of excitement and joy, as the Los Angeles Chargers are a perfect 3-0 mark, while Chargers Quarterback Justin Herbert is a front runner for MVP. Establishing themselves as Best in the AFC West,

Since every opponent has been a division rival.

Cameron Dicker’s game-ending 43-yard field goal as the Chargers beat the Denver Broncos 23-20 for their first 3-0 start since 2002.

This trend continued on Sunday, September 21st. It was surprisingly late for a home opener, but the rivals standing across the field Were all too familiar:the Denver Broncos. The QB battle of Herbert vs. Nix took center stage. Herbert led a late rally for the crucial victory.

Herbert was 28 of 47 for 300 yards with the touchdown and one interception. At 27 years, 195 days, he became the youngest NFL player to reach 2,000 career completions, surpassing Drew Bledsoe. Herbert did so in his 82nd career game, making him the second-fastest player to reach the mark.

Trailing in the 4th quarter, Herbert eluded the Broncos’ pass rush by rolling left and connecting with Allen — who fought off Riley Morris in the end zone for the 20-yard score — Bo Nix and the Broncos 0-2 went three-and-out. That set up Herbert and the Chargers on their 32, and he went 4 of 4 on the final drive.

“He’s a guy that can make any throw any way possible,” said Allen, a six-time Pro Bowl selection who reunited with Herbert and the Chargers after playing for Chicago last season. “Hats off to Herbo. He’s the guy.”

Even more impressive, all of the Chargers victories have come against division foes. The Broncos, Raiders, and the Kansas City Chiefs in Brazil.

Something feels different about this team, and it is the leadership and discipline Head Coach Jim Harbaugh has instilled into the Chargers.

Coming up this weekend, the Bolts continue to rack up those frequent flier miles. It will be an early East Coast matchup against the New York Giants at 10:00 am.

The biggest storyline heading in to the week four matchup is the “G-Men.” The New York Giants are starting rookie quarterback Jaxson, who will be making his first start replacing Russell Wilson.

Dart hopes to invigorate the winless Giants. Although that we’ll be a challenge as he is fishing one of the best defenses in the NFL.

The game is Sunday Morning at MetLife Stadium. Hopefully the Chargers will continue their winning ways.

USC remains unbeaten with a 45-31 victory over Michigan State

By

Eric Ramos

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September 20, 2025

MSU_Vs_USC_9-20-25_FI360-11709 — Photo by Jordon Kelly / fi360 News

Los Angeles, CA- Jayden Maiava continues his impressive 2025 campaign as he scored five total touchdowns to lead the USC Trojans to a 45-31 win over Michigan State on Saturday at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

Wide receiver Makai Lemon finished with 127 receiving yards and Waymond Jordan rushed for 157 yards to help the Trojans improve to 4-0 on the season.

Lemon (Photo by Jordon Kelly / fi360 News)

“That was a game that had some unique twists and turns,” Riley said. “I thought we were controlling the game, (and then) obviously we had a couple of errors there in the third quarter with the penalties … and the turnover that allowed them to come back and capture some momentum. But I thought our team responded and separated back in a really good way.”

USC took the lead on a 25-yard field goal in the first quarter. Michigan State answered with a 42-yard touchdown pass from Aiden Chiles to Chrishon McCray for a 7-3 lead. .

Maiava gave USC a 10-7 lead with a 15-yard touchdown run towards the end of the first quarter. USC took a 17-7 lead in the second quarter when Maiava hit Makai Lemon with a 40-yard touchdown pass.

MIchigan State cut the lead to 17-10 with a 29-yard field goal from Martin Conninghton. USC extended the lead to 24-10 when Maiava connected with Tanook Hines for a 7-yard touchdown with 37 seconds left in the first half.

In the third quarter, Maiava threw his third touchdown of the game, this time to Walker Lyons and USC took a 31-10 lead.

The Spartans came right back with an 11-play, 87-yard drive that was capped with a 12-yard touchdown run from Chiles.

On the ensuing drive, DJ Jordan made a 7-yard reception but fumbled and the Spartans recovered. Michigan State took advantage of the turnover and scored on a 1-yard pass from Chiles to Jack Velling. USC held a 31-24 lead at the end of the third quarter.

USC increased the lead in the fourth quarter to 38-24 on a 4-yard run from Lemon. Maiava scored his fifth touchdown of the game on a 1-yard run and the Spartans added a late touchdown.

Up next for the Trojans is a road matchup against Illinois on Saturday, Sept. 27.

Colorado Shines in 37-20 Wyoming Win Despite Slow Second Half

By

Devon Martinez

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September 20, 2025

Colorado (7) — Colorado Gavriel Lightfoot (99) and Tavian Coleman (94) celebrate Lightfoot's second quarter tackle (Photo by Laura Domingue/fi360 News)

Boulder, CU- The Colorado Buffaloes entered the second half with a commanding 21-3 lead, energized by the return of senior quarterback Kaidon Salter, who started after being benched in the previous week’s loss to Houston. The team demonstrated strong execution early, building momentum and capitalizing on Wyoming’s mistakes.

On a cool night at Folsom Field, with intermittent rain, Colorado’s defense set the tempo in the opening quarter. The Buffaloes forced Wyoming into two consecutive punts, and the Cowboys only managed first downs via Colorado pass interference penalties.

Colorado struck first in the opening half on their second possession, when Salter connected with junior wide receiver Omarion Miller for a 29-yard touchdown in the back of the end zone. Wyoming responded by marching down the field for a field goal, aided by a 50-yard run that highlighted Colorado’s vulnerability against the rush. Entering the game, the Buffaloes had been allowing an average of 123 rushing yards per contest, and Wyoming ultimately finished with 165 yards on the ground.

Colorado Carter Stoutmire (23) celebrates a fourth quarter defensive stop.(Photo by Laura Domingue/fi360 News)

The Buffaloes answered immediately, as Salter found graduate student Sincere Brown down the sideline for a 68-yard touchdown. This play marked the receiver’s second touchdown of the season and was his second-longest catch to date. Salter praised his wideouts after the game, saying, “We got big, explosive receivers that can go down and make those down-end field plays. I just have to put it in a spot for them to have the opportunity to put their hands on the ball.”

Colorado capped the first half with another touchdown, completing an eight-play, 67-yard drive in under three minutes. Senior running back Simeon Price finished the sequence with a one-yard run for his first touchdown of the season.

Coming out of halftime, Colorado continued to build on their momentum with a quick scoring drive. The Buffaloes needed only three plays to cover 75 yards, with Salter throwing his third touchdown pass of the game. Senior Joseph Williams caught his first—and only—reception of the contest for the score.

Colorado Head Coach Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders takes the field.(Photo by Laura Domingue/fi360 News)

However, Colorado’s offense stalled as Wyoming responded with 13 unanswered points. The Buffaloes were unable to score again in the third quarter, ending their final drive with a costly fumble at Wyoming’s one-yard line.

Early in the fourth quarter, Colorado’s defense came up big. Senior defensive end Arden Walker capitalized on Wyoming’s poor field position, sacking quarterback Kaden Anderson in the end zone for a safety on the first play of the period.

Colorado and Wyoming both completed the game with a touchdown drive apiece. Wyoming out-scored Colorado in the second half 17-16 as they failed to push the momentum and consistency of the first half.

“I’m not happy with the finish,” Coach Deon Sanders said during the post-game press conference. “I’m happy with the results, but I’m not happy with the finish. I told our young men, too much haha and heheing on the sideline when we got the lead.” Adding, “Hats off to the opposition. They did a wonderful job, Wyoming, of getting back in that game and playing their butts off with a no-quit attitude.”

Salter’s performance this game solidifies him as the starter for now. With three explosive touchdown passes and a late 35-yard touchdown run, the senior quarterback is hoping for continued success and is also focused on consistency, “This is my last year, so I want to go out there and be the best version of me for the team,” he said. “But the thing is consistency, and I just have to out there and do it again moving forward.”

The 2-2 Buffaloes host BYU next Week at 8:15 p.m. Mountain Time at Folsom Field.

Rivalry Win Moves Oregon to 4-0

By

Bryce Viglione

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September 20, 2025

A1A05302 — Photo by Ben Ammon / fi360 News

EUGENE, OR – Despite a slow start, the No. 6 Oregon Ducks convincingly defeated the Oregon State Beavers 41-7 in what was the 129^th occurrence of the in-state Oregon rivalry game.

Dante Moore and the Ducks were efficient on their opening drive, moving 75 yards in 7 plays, which was capped off by an impressive back shoulder 22-yard touchdown reception from Dakorien Moore.

Oregon turned the ball over on downs on their second drive, which the Beavers capitalized on with their only scoring drive of the day. Anthony Hankerson went on to punch in a 1-yard touchdown run tying the game 7-7.

With less than 6 minutes of play remaining in the first half, the Ducks surprisingly found themselves still tied with the winless Beavers until Dante Moore found Kenyon Sadiq for a 23-yard touchdown, sparking life with the highly talented offense.

Moore led the Ducks to five consecutive scoring drives, finishing the day 21/31 with 305 passing yards and a career-high four touchdowns. that were spread amongst four different receivers. Gary Bryant Jr., Dakorien Moore, and Kenyon Sadiq all finished the day with at least three receptions, 60 yards receiving, and a touchdown.

After the game Oregon Head Coach Dan Lanning recognized the slow start, stating “we need to be cleaner”, but went on to refer to the game as “a dominate performance.”

Oregon will face the No. 2 ranked Penn State Nittany Lions on the road next week, who are currently enjoying an extra week of preparation during a bye week.

Lanning and the Oregon Ducks cannot afford a slow start against a Penn State rushing attack that features two of the most versatile running backs in the country in Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton, both of which rushed for over 1,000 yards in 2024.

The white-out matchup in Happy Valley, PA is confirmed as ESPN’s game of the week. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:30pm PST / 7:30pm EST on NBC.

Carson Falls in Double OT Heartbreaker to North Torrance

By

Felicia Enriquez

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September 19, 2025

1000109572 — Phot by Felicia Mynt J Enriquez

Torrance, CA – Carson’s varsity squad left it all on the field, but a double-overtime thriller slipped away in heartbreaking fashion as the Colts fell 42–35 to North Torrance.

For a program still finding its rhythm under Head Coach William Lowe and his staff, this game showed grit, growth, and the sting of a winnable contest that got away.

Quick Overtime Rundown (California HS Football)

When a CIF-California game ends tied in regulation, they go into overtime using the “Kansas Plan.” Each team gets the ball at the 25-yard line. Coaches toss a coin — the winner picks offense or which end zone to attack. Both teams get one full shot to score. If they’re still tied after each gets a turn, you go to another OT. From the third overtime on, teams must go for a 2-point conversion after a touchdown instead of kicking the extra point.

How It Slipped Away

Carson came out sharp, putting points on the board early and riding the energy of their defense. At halftime Thursday night, they held a commanding 21–7 lead, thanks to disciplined execution and timely plays from receivers like Craig Walker and Eric Myers.

But North Torrance adjusted after the break. Their offense opened the second half with more balance, mixing short passes with ground-and-pound runs that wore down the Carson defense. By the fourth quarter, the Saxons had clawed back and forced overtime.

Both teams traded touchdowns in the first OT. By the second, North struck first. Carson had one final possession to answer, but disaster struck: a fumble ended their drive, sealing the win for the Saxons.

It would be unfair to pin the outcome on that one play. Penalties, silly mistakes that turned into lessons, and lapses in execution all added up across four quarters and two overtimes. Still, that final turnover — with the game hanging in the balance — was the gut punch that ended an otherwise inspired performance.

By the Numbers: Carson vs. North Torrance

According to MaxPreps, both teams entered evenly matched:

North Torrance Saxons: 191.8 rushing yards/game, 138.3 passing yards/game, 330 total yards/game, and averaging 35 points.

Carson Colts: 180.3 rushing, 135.5 passing, 315.8 total yards, with nearly 30 points/game.

Defensively, Carson actually had the edge in tackles per game (29.0 vs. North’s 27.8). But North’s offensive efficiency — a few yards and points more per outing — was the margin that mattered Thursday.

Carson leaned on key playmakers:

#0 Craig Walker: a reliable target in the air attack.

#17 Deshawn White: tough in critical downs.

#11 Eric Myers: delivered a spark with clutch catches and energy.

Each contributed, but late mistakes flipped momentum to the Saxons.

Coaching Presence: Phenomenal Hands Down

While the loss stung, Carson’s coaching staff proved why they’ve earned their players’ trust. Head Coach William Lowe and his assistants were vocal, passionate, and engaged all night — especially the defense, which kept players communicating and locked in.

At the end, as the Colts sat with heads bowed in frustration, the coaches stood above them, speaking one by one with urgency and care. They corrected mistakes, demanded more focus, and reminded players to keep moving forward.

Yes, there was disappointment. But there was also pride — pride in how far this group has come since last year’s 20–0 shutout loss to North, and pride in knowing this team can turn heartbreak into fuel.

From the Sideline: Coach Edward Humphreys

After the game, Offensive Coordinator Edward Humphreys put the night into perspective:

“I measure success differently than wins and losses. Carson hasn’t beaten North in three years. Last year, they shut us out 20–0. Tonight, we showed growth. We’re learning, and we want to peak at the right time.”

On his young roster — stacked with 2027 and 2028 talent — Humphreys added:

“We’ve got athletes. Now they have to learn how to play together. They’re receptive, they’re growing. Our job as coaches is to hold them accountable and show them how discipline changes games.”

What’s Next

The Colts now turn the page toward St. Pius next week. The message from the staff was clear: more focus, more effort, fewer distractions. If Thursday’s fight is any indicator, Carson’s ceiling is higher than the final score suggested.

For now, though, the sting of a double-overtime loss lingers — the kind of game that hurts in the moment but can forge a tougher, hungrier team down the stretch.

Weathering the Storm: Purdue and USC Clash After Lengthy Delay

By

Davyn Wright

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September 13, 2025

USC Trojans vs Purdue Boilermakers Sept 13 — USC Trojans vs Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium on, September 13, 2025. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

WEST LAFAYETTE — What began as a rainy afternoon in West Lafayette turned into a beautiful night of football, as USC grabbed a 33–17 win over Purdue for its first Big Ten victory of the season.

The Trojans set the tone early, piling up chunk plays and riding the legs of quarterback Jayden Maiava, who scored on a sneak in the second quarter. Running back Waymond Jordan added a touchdown, and despite piling up over 100 yards in penalties, USC built a 17–3 halftime lead behind more than 250 yards of total offense.

USC Trojans vs Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium on, September 13, 2025. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

The second half saw Purdue fight back. Ryan Browne connected with Nitro Tuggle for a touchdown and later ran one in himself, showing flashes of improvement despite costly turnovers. USC’s defense was the difference, picking off three passes, including a highlight 70-yard rumble to the house from big man Jamaal Jarrett that sealed the game.

Maiava, facing his former UNLV coach Barry Odom, finished 17-of-28 for 282 yards, with Ja’Kobi Lane hauling in three grabs for 115 yards. Jordan paced the ground attack with 77 yards and a score, while Eli Sanders chipped in 75 more.

Odom praised his team’s fight afterward: “A good team and you’ve got to step into the ring and into the arena and be ready for them to swing. And we kept swinging, so we’ll learn from today in a lot of different ways.”

With the win, USC improves to 1–0 in Big Ten play and returns home to face Michigan State. Purdue, now 0–1 in the league, gets a tough test next week at Notre Dame—but the Boilers left the field showing plenty of fight and growth.

UCLA’s united front usurped by New Mexico’s upset victory, 35-10

By

Charle' Moore

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September 12, 2025

_RM53120 — Photo by Jevone Moore / fi360 News

Pasadena, CA – UCLA has loss its first three games of the season and the last two were deemed subjectively as upset losses, with Friday night’s loss against New Mexico at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena considered possibly the program’s “lowest point,” after going down 35-10 to a team that hasn’t won a Power conference game since 2007.

“Everything that happens can fall on me. I’m the head coach. It can fall on me. You don’t have to try to word things differently. I’m the head coach,” coach Foster said. “But what I do know is that eventually this team is going to play with discipline. It’s going to happen… Pretty sure we didn’t think we would go on a run last year either when it happened. One thing that is going to happen is that those guys who are in the room are going to continue to believe and eventually it’s going to turn around.”

What appeared to be a momentum shift for UCLA who has still yet to lead in scoring this season after their third contest was when Mateen Bhaghani’s 51-yard field goal at the 3:34 mark in the third quarter reduced Lobos margin to 14-10 after Bruins trailed 14-0 most of the first half.

“Not the outcome at all that we wanted. It’s coming down to discipline and execution, coach Foster said to take full responsibility as head coach over this struggling historic program. “Not executing at a high level and not making plays when we need to. We’re not at our best when our best is needed.“

While Foster shared no doubt about being the right man for his coaching position, his players share similar support and belief while they hope to soon earn their first win to prove coach Foster as well as themselves are better than what has been shown this season.

“We just have to be at our best when our best is needed, UCLA redshirt senior defensive lineman Gary Smith III said to FI360news. “We get in critical situations, critical moments, and we just don’t perform to the level that we perform in practice. That’s something that we’re going to have to fix.”

UCLA redshirt sophomore quarterback Nico Iamaleava completed 22 of 34 passes for 217 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Anthony Woods finished as UCLA’s leading rusher, totaling 64 yards on 10 carries.

“I totally believe in Coach Foster. He gives me so much belief to get in the building and go to work, Iamaleava said. “He gives me that ‘want’ to go out there and practice, and practice hard. We’re doing him a disservice by not performing for him. He’s telling us everything we need to hear, he’s telling us everything we need to do, and we’re not executing as players.”

New Mexico players on the other hand came out unafraid and in complete execution mode for their first year coach, Jason Eck, by coming out early on the ground bulldozing over UCLA thin defensive line and continuing in the third quarter, with a 59 yard rush inside UCLA’s five-yard line. However, the Lobos fumbled the ball on a fourth-down play, allowing the Bruins to take over at their own three-yard line. Subsequently, the Bruins punted the ball after a short four play drive that resulted into a recovered fumble punt return, taking over at their own 41-yard line.

“That’s the thing about it. They respond in the correct way,” coach Foster said. “Everybody’s looking at me straight eye-to-eye, standing at attention, understanding what I’m saying, saying ‘Yes, sir.’ They understand what they’re doing. They get that they’re letting it slip away. It’s just unfortunate. This is not something that you would

anticipate to happen.”

New Mexico quarterback Jack Layne finished the game having completed 12 of 16 passes for 152 yards. The visiting Lobos (2-1) totaled 298 rushing yards, as two players registered at least 80-plus yards on the ground – led by Damon Bankston’s 154 rushing yards. D.J. McKinney had a team-leading 21 carries for 89 yards.

Friday’s game marked the Bruins’ third and final non-conference regular-season matchup before starting a bye week, followed by Big Ten play at Northwestern on Saturday, Sept. 27. The game time for UCLA (0-3) in Evanston, Ill., has not been determined and Bruins next home game will take place against Penn State on Saturday, Oct. 4.