New Mexico Lobos vs UCLA Bruins Prediction, 9/12/2025 College Football Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: New Mexico Lobos vs UCLA Bruins

Date: Friday, September 12, 2025

Location: Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA

TV: ESPN/ESPN+

Odds/Point Spread: Bruins (-16.5)

Total/Over-Under: 54

Rose Bowl is where the UCLA Bruins (0-2) will try to defeat the New Mexico Lobos (1-1) on Friday, September 12, 2025. New Mexico opens this game as 16.5-point dogs from oddsmakers. The betting total is set at 54.

The New Mexico Lobos come into this matchup with a record of 1-1 for this season. In their last game, the Lobos went up against the Idaho State Bengals and took home the win by a score of 32-22. When it came to stopping the run, the Lobos conceded 121 yds on 31 attempts, which averages out to 3.9 yards per run allowed. New Mexico gave up 28 pass completions on 39 tries for a total of 265 yds, and a completion rate of 71.8%. In all, they ran 61 plays which gave them 371 yards. The New Mexico Lobos ended up rushing 40 times and tallied 216 yards, which had them averaging 5.4 yds per carry.

The Lobos have earned 638 yards in total this year. With reference to getting the ball in the endzone, New Mexico has earned 2 passing touchdowns and 4 rushing touchdowns. They have turned the football over 4 times. New Mexico has earned 41 1st downs offensively, and they have been hurt by 3 infractions for 18 yds. Offensively they are averaging 133.0 yards on the ground ranking this team at 94th in college football. When talking about scoring points, the New Mexico Lobos are sitting at 24.5 points per outing.

Regarding yards through the air, the Lobos are allowing 516 yds which has them ranked 108th in D-1. They are conceding 258.0 yards per game through the air as well as allowing a completion percentage of 70.0%. Over the course of this year, they have given up 419.0 yards per contest ranking them 109th in college football. They have yielded 2 touchdowns through the air and 4 touchdowns via the ground game. They are allowing teams to run for an average of 5.1 yards per running attempt and 161.0 rushing yards per contest so far this season. For the season, they have given up 322 rushing yards through 2 games. The Lobos sit in 105th in college football when it comes to their opponents scoring, allowing 28.0 PPG.

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The Bruins head into this matchup 0-2 for this season. The last time they took the field, the Bruins went home defeated by a final of 30-23 when they faced the UNLV Rebels. UCLA ran for 5.8 yards per tote, finishing the game with 173 yds on 30 attempts. The Bruins ended up finishing with 428 yards and they ran 72 plays (5.9 yards per play). The Bruins passing defense gave up a completion rate of 71.4%, surrendering 203 yds on 15 out of 21 passing. UCLA surrendered 32 running attempts for 148 yds (4.6 yards per carry).

When it comes to the points being put on the board, the Bruins are ranked 117th in the nation averaging 16.5 points per contest. The UCLA Bruins average 324.0 yards/game, which is good for 103rd in Division 1. The UCLA offense has racked up 159 yards of penalties on 17 infractions, ranking them 21st in D-1 in terms of giving up free yards. They have tossed 2 interceptions while allowing opponents to recover 1 fumble and they have been able to obtain 41 1st downs. During this campaign to this point, the Bruins currently have a total of 391 yards through the air in addition to holding an average of 195.5 passing yards per outing, which is ranked 92nd in Division 1. They hold an average of 128.5 yards via the ground game and have rushed for 257 yards for the season.

UCLA has surrendered a total of 434 yards rushing (217.0 yards per game) as well as 5 touchdowns rushing on the campaign. They have allowed 5 touchdowns from the passing game and 204.5 yards/game, ranking them 76th in Division 1. They defense has yet to create a turnover. The Bruins defense has been on the field for 133 plays, which is good for 86th in the country. The Bruins are allowing 36.5 points per contest, which puts them 123rd in the country.

Who will win tonight's Lobos/Bruins college football game against the spread?

Parlays Pundit's Pick: Take the Bruins -16.5

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