DeShaun Foster reveals his biggest concern with Nico Iamaleava from Utah loss

Nico Iamaleava‘s UCLA debut didn’t go exactly as planned, falling to Utah 43-10 on their home turf during Week 1. The transfer QB struggled to find a rhythm, and were eventually outscored 20-3 in the second half as UCLA begins the season 0-1.

Iamaleava finished the game 11-of-22 passing for 136 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He also added 13 carries for 47 yards as the team’s leading rusher. This led to him taking a few more hits than head coach DeShaun Foster would have liked.

“The only thing I was worried about is him, just sliding, that was it,” Foster told media on Monday. “You know, he’s a very athletic kid. He’s played multiple sports. He’s, like, high level athlete, so, you know, he can extend the play and go, but you guys saw a quarterback play off schedule the whole time against us.

“So, it’s not a really a concerning thing that I think the O-line did a good job in protecting them, and we just got in a situation where we had to be one dimensional and just be willing to score. So they were able to pin their ears back, and they knew what was coming.”

Iamaleava’s dual-threat abilities helped the Bruins out during the season opener, including a 21-yard rush down the stretch. However, if he can’t protect himself it could lead to him being off the field and out of the game entirely under the worst case scenario.

To Foster, Iamleava’s tendency to fight for extra yardage is a testament to the type of person he is. After all, Iamaleava is a captain of his football team.

He’s just a gamer,” Foster continued. “Nico’s somebody that, as soon as he looked at me, he was like, ‘It’s on me.’ And I have to let him know, it’s not 1 on 11. And that’s just the kind of competitor he is.

“He’s going to take full responsibility and full blame for everything. But we got to let them know that we do have people here that are playing with you. (It’s) the ultimate team game. And you know, everybody has to do their part to get the victory.”

UCLA will hit the road during Week 2 as they’re set to travel to Las Vegas to play UNLV inside Allegiant Stadium. Looking for their first win of the season, the Bruins are a 2.5-point betting favorite over the Rebels on the road. Kickoff is set for Saturday at 8 p.m. ET live on CBS Sports Network.