Overview
- UCLA beat Penn State 42-37 as Nico Iamaleava threw for 166 yards and two touchdowns and ran for 128 yards and three more scores.
- Interim coach Tim Skipper handed play-calling to Jerry Neuheisel on Tuesday, giving him roughly two practice days before the win, and players carried him off the Rose Bowl field.
- Iamaleava said the Bruins were “having fun again” running Neuheisel’s simplified uptempo scheme after an 0-4 start and midseason staff changes.
- Lei Iamaleava publicly defended her son on Instagram following the win, reposting a message that critics owe him an apology and telling “keyboard warriors” to log off.
- Analysts say Neuheisel’s stock is rising after his debut, and UCLA’s road game at Michigan State will help reveal whether the offensive turnaround is sustainable.