UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava did not come out for the Bruins’ offense to start the second half against Oregon, leaving everyone scratching their heads after what was a rough first half that included an apparent injury. Backup Ty Dieffenbach stepped in at center for the Bruins.
A First Half Full of Headaches and a Scare
The first half for Iamaleava was a total grind. The guy turned the ball over three times, including two huge ones in the final 90 seconds of the second quarter. He finished that half 10-for-16 for 162 yards and two interceptions. Plus, he coughed up a fumble at the UCLA 1-yard line, which directly led to Oregon’s only score of the first half. Talk about a tough sequence, right?
During that chaotic timeframe, Iamaleava also looked like he got banged up. He was scrambling on a play when Oregon’s Bear Alexander and Jerry Mixon brought him down hard. It definitely looked like he hurt something in his left leg, staying on the ground while medical personnel checked him out. He managed to get up on his own power and even missed just one play before returning to the field. But then, on his very first play back, he threw another interception. Oof.
“He’s Fine,” Says Coach. But Is He?
So what’s the deal with Iamaleava not starting the second half? That’s the million-dollar question, because it’s still unclear if he was pulled because of the injury or if the coaches just wanted a “different pace” for the offense after those struggles. When CBS sideline reporter Jenny Dell asked UCLA coach Bob Chesney about Iamaleava, his response was pretty simple: “He’s fine.” Chesney then added, “He just got hit in the quad a little bit. He’s fine.”
It’s a bold statement, “he’s fine,” especially when your starting QB is suddenly out of the game right after an injury scare and three turnovers. As of the start of the third quarter, there’s been zero update on his actual injury status. UCLA fans are definitely sitting on pins and needles, wondering what really went down and when, or if, they’ll see Iamaleava back in the game.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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