UCLA Bruins quarterback Nico Iamaleava (9) drops back for a pass during the first quarter against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
UCLA football quarterback Nico Iamaleava drew the attention of NFL scouts ahead of facing No. 13 Oregon. Saturday presented a massive chance for Iamaleava to boost his stock and stun the Big Ten heavyweight Ducks.
But Iamaleava exited the game early, all after sustaining a lower body injury on this play:
Oregon defensive tackle Bear Alexander drew heat too in swinging at Iamaleava as he was already down by contact. But Alexander never drew a penalty for personal foul and stayed in the game.
So Ty Dieffenbach started the second half for the Bruins following the Iamaleava injury. UCLA still led 10-6 at the time of the QB injury.
Iamaleava started to his a strong trajectory under new UCLA coach Bob Chesney. The former Tennessee transfer ignited the Bruins offense with consecutive 50+ point outings against Purdue and Maryland. Plus UCLA rose to No. 21 overall immediately in the new era, landing in the top 25 for the first time in nearly five seasons.
So Saturday presented the Bruins and Chesney with a chance to deliver a huge statement against a trending Big Ten contender. And for Iamaleava to continue burying the narratives still attached to him following his exit from the Volunteers.
But now UCLA pivoted to Dieffenbach in what became a turnover-marred game through the first three quarters. Iamaleava went 10-of-17 for 162 yards but got picked off twice, including once in the end zone that stalled a potential scoring drive. The dual-threat quarterback also finished with seven carries but for just one yard.