Nico Iamaleava shone brightly for UCLA in a remarkable game against No. 7 Penn State, leading the Bruins to a thrilling 42-37 victory. This win marks UCLA’s first triumph of the season, boosting their record to 1-4. The match took place at the iconic Rose Bowl, showcasing Iamaleava’s impressive performance as he threw for two touchdowns and ran for three more.
Game Overview
Penn State, now with a 3-2 record, was reeling after suffering back-to-back losses. Prior to facing UCLA, the Nittany Lions were defeated by Oregon, which hampered their early season momentum. This game was an unexpected hurdle, as they allowed over 400 yards against a Bruins team that had not led in any previous games this year.
Coaching and Strategy
This match was significant for interim coach Tim Skipper, who took the reins after DeShaun Foster was dismissed on September 14. Skipper highlighted the resilience of his team during the broadcast, stating, “It feels great. That is a valiant team, and our coaches, we stuck together.” He emphasized the importance of focus, saying that “every single play counted today.”
Historic Significance
The Bruins achieved a noteworthy milestone by becoming the first team with an 0-4 record to defeat a top-10 team since UTEP upset BYU in 1985. Iamaleava’s performance was pivotal, with Skipper praising him for consistently delivering under pressure. “Ballers always ball out,” he remarked, expressing confidence in Iamaleava’s abilities on the field.
Upcoming Challenges
Looking ahead, UCLA aims to build on this victory as they seek to regain their footing this season. Meanwhile, Penn State must regroup after this defeat, as their ranking and standings in the Associated Press Top 25 are in jeopardy.
- UCLA records: 1-4
- Penn State records: 3-2
- Location: Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California
- Key player: Nico Iamaleava
- Significant historical note: First 0-4 team to beat a top-10 team since 1985
