Nico Iamaleava injury update: UCLA QB leaves game after crushing hit

In the final minutes of Saturday night’s clash between UCLA and Maryland, Bruin quarterback Nico Iamalavea was helped off the field after a crushing hit. He was tending to his right knee.

Prior to exiting the game, Iamaleava completed 19/32 passes for 188 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. He however returned and led the Bruins on a five-play, 68-yard drive that culminated in a game-winning 23-yard field goal. After opening the season 0-4, they’ve not rattled off three consecutive wins.

Nico Iamaleava is helped off the field after a tough tackle pic.twitter.com/CtRCesvrHq

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After a rough start to his season, Iamaleava has been nails for UCLA over the past three games (all wins). In that span, the Tennessee transfer has completed 65% of his passes for 567 yards, six touchdowns and just two interceptions. He’s also rushed for 156 yards and three more scores.

UCLA‘s win over Penn State kick-started the Nittany Lions’ eventual four-game losing streak, which forced James Franklin out as their head coach after the third loss. Iamaleava was unbelievable in that game, completing 17/24 passes for 166 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. He also led the Bruins in rushing with 128 yards and three touchdowns on 16 carries.

“I watched that film in depth for the Big Ten Network this weekend,” Urban Meyer said about Iamaleava’s performance. “Nico, I told after that performance, invite him to New York for the Heisman ceremony. I’m just kidding, but his talent, my God. He made them look silly. He ran for well over 100 yards. If you had no idea, just watching it like I did, UCLA was by far the better team.”