UCLA Bruins’ last three home openers — a 27-13 win over Coastal Carolina in 2023, a 42-13 loss to Indiana in 2024, and Saturday’s 43-10 rout by Utah — show a program still struggling to find its early-season rhythm as it transitions to Big Ten play.
UCLA Bruins Home Opener Comparisons
2023 – Coastal Carolina (W 27-13)
- Total yards: 417
- Passing yards: 264
- Rushing yards: 153
- 3rd down efficiency: 7-12
- Turnovers: 3
- Time of possession: 25:10
2024 – Indiana (L 42-13)
- Total yards: 238
- Passing yards: 142
- Rushing yards: 96
- 3rd down efficiency: 2-8
- Turnovers: 2
- Time of possession: 28:26
2025 – Utah (L 43-10)
- Total yards: 220
- Passing yards: 136
- Rushing yards: 84
- 3rd down efficiency: 2-11
- Turnovers: 1
- Time of possession: 27:04
2023: Coastal Win with Red Flags
The final opener under Chip Kelly ended in a win, but the Bruins never put Coastal away convincingly. The offense moved the ball, piling up 417 total yards, and Dante Moore showed flashes of brilliance. But three turnovers and missed chances left plenty to clean up.
2024: Indiana Exposes the Bruins
Indiana brought Big Ten physicality and exposed UCLA’s flaws. Outgained 430-238, the Bruins converted only 2-of-8 third downs and gave up four passing touchdowns without forcing a turnover. Ethan Garbers’ 137 passing yards weren’t enough to keep the game competitive.
2025: Utah Doubles Down
Saturday night looked like Indiana all over again. UCLA mustered just 220 total yards, went 2-of-11 on third downs, and struggled to protect Nico Iamaleava. The redshirt freshman’s debut ended with 11-of-22 passing for 136 yards, 1 TD, and 1 INT, while the defense allowed Utah to convert 14-of-16 third downs and dominate time of possession.
The Bigger Picture
Across three seasons, the story hasn’t changed. Against weaker opponents like Coastal, talent carried the day. Against physical, disciplined teams like Indiana and Utah, execution and consistency crumbled.
What Comes Next
DeShaun Foster made accountability the postgame theme: “You’ve got to see ‘What did I do to help this team?’” With UNLV and New Mexico coming up, the Bruins have a window to reset. But until they prove they can open a season with focus and precision, their home openers will continue to feel like missed opportunities.