EUGENE, Ore. — UCLA will have to rely on its backup quarterback to compete against Oregon. Starter Nico Iamaleava left at halftime with a leg injury, as confirmed by a team spokesperson, prompting the Bruins to turn to Ty Dieffenbach in a critical game.
Iamaleava had completed 10 of 17 passes for 162 yards and two interceptions in the first half at Autzen Stadium, including one interception in Oregon’s end zone. He also lost a fumble at the 1-yard line, which led to Oregon’s only touchdown of the first half.
Iamaleava briefly exited the game in the second quarter after a hit from two defenders but returned for one play before not coming back after halftime.
Dieffenbach, who transferred from Cal Poly, made his first appearance for UCLA. Madden Iamaleava, Nico's older brother, had been his backup in previous games this season.
On his only play in the first half, Dieffenbach nearly connected on a touchdown pass to Brian Rowe Jr. in the end zone, but Rowe was unable to make the catch. In the third quarter, the Bruins executed three consecutive plays out of the wildcat formation, with Wayne Knight gaining a first down on his third carry. Dieffenbach then completed a flea-flicker to Leland Smith for a first down before being dropped for a loss on back-to-back plays, which forced UCLA to punt.