Joel Klatt praises Nico Iamaleava, makes Jerry Neuheisel prediction after UCLA win over Penn State

FOX Sports analyst Joel Klatt had high praise for UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava and interim play-caller Jerry Neuheisel following the Bruins’ stunning upset over Penn State. The win not only revitalized UCLA’s season, but it also gave college football fans a glimpse of the program’s potential future.

“Their quarterback played great. Nico Iamaleava looked like a five-star player. That’s what he looked like. He looked like a guy that could put the team on his back and go out there and win the football game,” Klatt stated, via The Joel Klatt Show.

“I mean, everybody except for one fan base in America has got to be at least mildly, like, happy for the guy. I know that Tennessee fans aren’t going to be happy for him, and that’s fine. I totally understand that. I get it. But what a story.”

Iamaleava, who Klatt mentioned transferred in from Tennessee, entered the season with big expectations in Los Angeles, but he’s struggled to find rhythm in UCLA’s offense. That changed dramatically against Penn State, as the Bruins exploded for 42 points — their best performance of the year at the most unexpected time.

“Coming in there, they had no success this year. I mean, none. 134th ranked scoring offense in the country. And they roll out there and drop 42, go up and down the field. When they needed an answer, they had it,” Klatt said. “And again, it was largely Nico, whether it was with his legs, making some great reads and throws, throwing the football down the field. He was great, man. That’s what a five-star player looks like.

“That’s why fan bases get so excited when five-stars commit to their program, because they envision big games where that player can take over and go and win a game. And he was able to do that.”

Klatt couldn’t mention UCLA’s offense without also making sure to highlight Neuheisel’s impact after taking over play-calling duties. His game plan against one of the nation’s top defenses was, in Klatt’s words, “terrific.”

“Jerry Neuheisel was terrific with his game plan. He really was,” Klatt said. “Obviously, he’s going to be an offensive coordinator somewhere. Maybe it’s at UCLA for the rest of the season. Well, obviously. Yes, he is for the rest of the season going to call plays at UCLA. But I’m talking about full-time play caller, offensive coordinator.

“Give that man a big job, because he executed really well. The game plan was solid. They neutralized the defensive ends. They attacked where Penn State was weak. All of that stuff is true.”

It remains to be seen where UCLA goes from here, but their offensive resurgence has the Bruins buzzing about their potential. They’ll hit the road to face Michigan State in Week 7 — a chance to prove that their breakout performance against Penn State was no fluke and notch win No. 2 on the season.