Introduction to UCLA’s Stunning Victory
A team in need of a savior found one in the unlikeliest of places and most familiar of faces. Jerry Neuheisel, the UCLA tight ends coach who was elevated to playcaller only four days before his winless team faced a top-10 opponent, dialed up an offensive plan that produced points on each of the Bruins’ first five drives.
The Game Plan and Execution
The fun let up only momentarily on the way to UCLA’s stunning 42-37 victory over No. 7 Penn State on Saturday afternoon at the Rose Bowl, fans providing their giddy verdict with a chant they unleashed from the opening drive through the fourth quarter. “Jerry! Jerry! Jerry!” After UCLA made a final defensive stop to secure its first victory over a top-10 team since beating Oregon in 2007, Neuheisel was hoisted into the air by his grateful players, winless no more.
Player Performance
UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava accounted for five touchdowns on what might have been the finest day of his college career. “He puts that belief in us that we can go out there and execute,” Iamaleava said, “and he put together a great game plan for us.” UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava (9) evades Penn State defensive end Chaz Coleman (19) to scramble for a gain on Saturday. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
Significance of the Win
The question of whether this was a turning point or a temporary reprieve in a lost season remains, but at least for the moment everyone associated with UCLA (1-4 overall, 1-1 Big Ten) could deeply exhale. “Nobody in the world expected us to win, let’s be honest here,” safety Key Lawrence said after the Bruins became the first team that had started 0-4 or worse to beat a top-10 team since Texas El Paso, then 0-6, beat No. 7 Brigham Young in 1985.
Neuheisel’s Impact
Neuheisel said he found out he would be calling plays at 5 p.m. Tuesday, at a time when the Bruins were parting ways with offensive coordinator Tino Sunseri. Neuheisel estimated that he’s had three hours of sleep since then, his players conducting walk-throughs to master the offense only hours before kickoff. “We had two days to practice the new game plan,” Neuheisel said, “and all they did was believe.” Masterfully running a new offense designed to give every player confidence was Iamaleava, who finally had something to show for his cross-country move from Tennessee that made him the talk of the offseason in college football.
Game Highlights
Iamaleava ran for a career-high three touchdowns, tying a school record for a quarterback, and passed for two more as the Bruins nearly doubled their previous high point total this season. As valuable with his feet as his arm, Iamaleava completed 17 of 24 passes for 166 yards and ran 16 times for 128 yards, including a nifty 52-yard gain in which he spun away from a defender. UCLA wide receiver Kwazi Gilmer (3) celebrates with teammate Titus Mokiao-Atimalala (2) after making a touchdown catch against Penn State in the fourth quarter. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
Turning Point
Iamaleava’s big day came after he had delivered an ultimatum earlier in the week. “I just was preaching to the guys,” he said, “that you know, ‘If y’all don’t want to be here, man, leave man.’” Given the circumstances, Neuheisel’s playcalling debut might have been a more valiant effort than his coming off the bench as UCLA’s quarterback in 2014 to lead his team to a comeback victory over Texas.
Conclusion
The game turned tense late, requiring a defensive stop after Iamaleava was stuffed on a fourth down, giving the ball back to Penn State (3-2, 0-2) at the Bruins’ 32-yard line with two minutes left. The Nittany Lions reached the nine before UCLA defensive back Scooter Jackson surged into the backfield and dropped quarterback Drew Allar for a three-yard loss with 37 seconds left. After Bruins punter Will Karoll intentionally stepped out of the back of the end zone for a safety to pull Penn State within five points, the Nittany Lions could not cross midfield before the game ended.
FAQs
- Q: Who was the playcaller for UCLA in their victory over Penn State?
A: Jerry Neuheisel, the UCLA tight ends coach, was elevated to playcaller for the game. - Q: What was the final score of the game?
A: UCLA won 42-37 over No. 7 Penn State. - Q: How many touchdowns did Nico Iamaleava account for in the game?
A: Nico Iamaleava accounted for five touchdowns in the game. - Q: What was significant about UCLA’s win?
A: UCLA became the first team that had started 0-4 or worse to beat a top-10 team since Texas El Paso, then 0-6, beat No. 7 Brigham Young in 1985.
