Nico Iamaleava Stars, UCLA Shocks Fans with Upset of MSU After Historic Win vs. PSU
UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava completed 16-of-24 passes for 180 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Bruins to a 38-13 road win over Michigan State on Saturday.
The Bruins scored 38 consecutive points after initially falling behind 7-0. Running back Jalen Berger scored three touchdowns, including two on passes from Iamaleava.
Iamaleava also hit Titus Mokiao-Atimalala for a 12-yard touchdown to help give UCLA a 24-7 lead before halftime.
This was another stunning result for UCLA, which entered the game as a 7.5-point underdog, per DraftKings Sportsbook.
The Bruins got off to a disastrous 0-4 start this season, and Iamaleava, who arrived in town after a much-publicized transfer from Tennessee, didn't fare well either.
UCLA fired head coach DeShaun Foster after three games and gave the interim job to Tim Skipper. Jerry Neuheisel took over as interim offensive coordinator.
The new Bruin era began with a 17-14 loss to Northwestern, and UCLA sat as a 24.5-point underdog to Penn State entering its next game.
Iamaleava and the Bruins proceeded to author a shocking performance, beating the then-No. 7 ranked team, 42-37. Iamaleava rushed for 128 yards and three touchdowns while adding 166 passing yards and two more scores.
Now UCLA has another win when all hope looked lost after the 0-4 start. Needless to say, this team may not be a one-hit wonder.
Fans and analysts have taken notice.
UCLA will now host Maryland on Saturday, Oct. 18 at 7 p.m. ET.
