PASADENA — UCLA came into Saturday night’s game against New Mexico State as 42.5-point favorites, but for its first two drives, UCLA didn’t look the part, hesitating for the first 10-plus minutes of the game before exploding to take a 31-0 halftime lead.
After a slow offensive start that included two turnovers, both in the red zone, in their first two drives, the Bruins finally got on the board after a four-yard touchdown run by redshirt junior running back Jordon James.
The Bruins forced true freshman quarterback King Davis III and the New Mexico State offense into its second straight three-and-out and the Bruins capitalized on the quick turnaround, driving 80 yards in an eight-play drive that took just 2:10.
On the ensuing New Mexico State drive, sophomore cornerback Ishmael Adams came down with the Bruins’ first interception of the season, which resulted in a 52-yard return thanks mostly to a thunderous block by freshman outside linebacker Myles Jack. With a short field, UCLA took just four plays to score its third touchdown of the game, a 12-yard run by redshirt sophomore running back Steven Manfro.
A 38-yard field goal by sophomore Ka’imi Fairbairn made the score 24-0, while a 21-yard touchdown grab by sophomore Devin Fuller pushed the score to 31-0 in the Bruins’ final drive of the half.
Prior to the start of the game, the Rose Bowl held a moment of silence for wide receiver Nick Pasquale, who died after being struck by a car. Thirty thousand towels sporting “36,” Pasquale’s number with UCLA, were waved after the conclusion of the moment of silence.
During a break between the first and second quarters, a video montage of Pasquale’s life was played to the tune of Puff Daddy’s “I’ll Be Missing You,” while coach Jim Mora presented Pasquale’s family with a framed No. 36 jersey.
Heading into the break, redshirt sophomore quarterback Brett Hundley is 17-26 for 215 yards and two touchdowns, while sophomore safety Randall Goforth leads all UCLA tacklers with six, adding a forced fumble.
Compiled by Andrew Erickson, Bruin Sports senior staff.