New Mexico vs. UCLA Odds & Betting Predictions - September 13, 2025

Tailing @wwiseguys

Fun bet here at fan.

While many see UCLA starting 0-2 as the downfall of Nico Iamaleava, I see a team that’s now undervalued. This game has all the makings of a blowout. My model makes the fair spread -22.34, giving us a massive edge on the current -15 line. Nobody wants to bet on this UCLA squad, but I’ll happily buy low on the much better team. Believe it or not, UCLA actually improved over the offseason, especially along both lines of scrimmage. The Bruins brought in the 18th best portal class and the 27th best recruiting class. Unfortunately, UCLA opened their season against two really tough opponents and now sit 0-2. However, tonight is a major drop off in talent. New Mexico’s roster has been completely gutted and leaves the Lobos in a tough spot. They lost QB Devon Dampier to Utah, where he’s already turning into a star. They also lost two quality running backs and two wide receivers. This has left the offense, especially the passing game, badly weakened. Two-star QB Jack Layne takes over for Dampier, and he simply hasn’t been good. Layne is averaging just 5.9 yards per target with one touchdown and three interceptions. New Mexico just struggled with Idaho State and needed a big fourth quarter to finish them off. This matchup is a MAJOR trench mismatch. The Lobos offensive line ranks 117th nationally, and their front seven ranks 114th. UCLA should dominate at the line of scrimmage, especially with their pass rush. While Nico Iamaleava has been disappointing, he’s still a competent quarterback with good mobility. That mobility should be the difference tonight. With New Mexico’s brutal defensive line, Iamaleava should be able to get whatever he wants on the ground or through the air. The Lobos secondary is also suspect, particularly at safety. Offensively, New Mexico has a decent rushing attack, but their poor quarterback play and lack of threats at receiver leave them one dimensional. One more note: UCLA’s kicker Mateen Bhaghani is excellent and can bail out the offense if needed. Points are almost automatic once the Bruins reach the opponent’s 40 yard line, as Bhaghani has NFL range. My only concern backing UCLA is their motivation after starting 0-2, but their season isn’t lost yet. This sets up as a smash spot for the Bruins. I’d take this up to -15.5.

HardRock