Ugly start for the Bruins
UCLA’s Nico Iamaleava crushed in brutal debut as Utah fans take over Rose Bowl originally appeared on The Sporting News
The Rose Bowl was supposed to be the stage for a fresh start. UCLA had its new quarterback, a buzz around coach DeShaun Foster’s second season, and optimism that the program could finally shift momentum. Instead, it turned into a nightmare.
The fourth quarter was all Utes fans cheering in Pasadena in the 43-10 win.
Utah silences Bruins in Pasadena opener
For Nico Iamaleava, the prized Tennessee transfer who arrived in Los Angeles with sky-high expectations, the night could not have gone much worse. The 20-year-old quarterback was sacked four times, hit repeatedly, and finished with only 136 passing yards in a lopsided 43-10 defeat.
Nothing came easy for UCLA
Utah’s defense smothered Iamaleava from the opening series, never letting him settle in. He managed 11 completions on 22 attempts, threw one touchdown and one interception, and somehow led UCLA in rushing with 47 yards as protection collapsed around him.
Coach Foster tried to stay positive, praising his quarterback’s toughness but acknowledging the glaring issues up front. “Nico is a competitor. He’s not gonna quit,” Foster said. “We just gotta do a better job protecting him, keeping him upright.”
The defense didn’t offer much help either. UCLA gave up nearly 500 total yards and allowed Utah to convert 14 of 16 third downs. Long, punishing drives broke the Bruins’ spirit while Utah’s fans turned the Rose Bowl into their own party.
Family night spoiled
Iamaleava had said earlier in the week that more than two dozen family members would be in the stands for his debut. But what should have been a celebration of a new era quickly soured. Utah looked like a Big 12 contender, UCLA looked like a team scrambling for answers.
MORE: Survive in Manhattan: Kansas State avoids disastrous 0-2 Star in thriller
For Iamaleava, it was a humbling first chapter in what Bruins fans hope becomes a much bigger story. “We take this as a learning experience,” he said. “We’re gonna face many more tough opponents, and we gotta be ready.”
Foster echoed the sentiment, telling reporters that the team saw the game as a low point to build from. “Only way is up from here,” Iamaleava added, though the reality in Pasadena was that the climb looks steep.
UCLA's next game is on Saturday on the road at the UNLV Rebels.
More NCAA Football News:
- Jalen Daniels, Kansas Jayhawks look to keep momentum rolling against Wagner
- Michigan State Spartans open season against hungry Broncos on Friday
- Opening night test: Miami (Ohio) meets Wisconsin under the lights
- Showdown at Arrowhead: Nebraska and Cincinnati kick off in style
- Battle for respect: Rutgers and Ohio open with conference pride at stake
- Battle in the bay: Life without Jeanty begins for Boise State in 2025
Category: General Sports
