News Summary
UCLA stunned No. 7 Penn State with a 42-37 victory, marking their first win over a top-10 team since 2007. Quarterback Nico Iamaleava delivered an impressive performance, including five total touchdowns. The win represents a pivotal moment for the Bruins, who have struggled this season. Jerry Neuheisel, the newly appointed offensive play caller, was met with praise for his strategic decisions which helped UCLA secure this much-needed victory.
Los Angeles – UCLA achieved a remarkable upset against No. 7 Penn State with a score of 42-37 on Saturday, delivering their first victory over a top-10 team since 2007. This unexpected win marked a significant turning point for the struggling Bruins, who have had a challenging season thus far.
Jerry Neuheisel, the 33-year-old tight ends coach, was named the offensive play caller just four days before the game, following the midweek dismissal of offensive coordinator Tino Sunseri. Neuheisel faced an uphill battle, as he had only two days to prepare the team for their clash with Penn State.
UCLA’s quarterback Nico Iamaleava put on a stellar performance, completing 166 passing yards and achieving two touchdown passes, while also rushing for 128 yards and scoring three rushing touchdowns. His rushing touchdowns tied the school record for most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback in a single game. The Bruins’ offensive strategy was evident as they managed to score on their first five drives, allowing them to take an aggressive early lead.
Overall, UCLA amassed a total of 446 yards, nearly doubling their previous season record for scoring. A pivotal moment in the game occurred when Iamaleava recovered his own fumble during a critical drive that lasted 17 plays and ended with a touchdown. The early momentum established by an onside kick further set the tone for UCLA’s performance.
In a demonstration of strong team spirit, the Bruins celebrated their victory by carrying Jerry Neuheisel off the field. Neuheisel’s father, Rick Neuheisel, a CBS analyst, expressed profound emotion over the win, celebrating with family by sharing a bottle of Dom Perignon—a family tradition that dates back to Rick’s own time as the head coach at UCLA.
Following this hard-fought victory, UCLA improved their overall record to 1-4 and 1-1 in the Big Ten. The win came as a much-needed boost for a team that had struggled in the earlier part of the season. Having started the game with an early score on their opening drive, UCLA finally demonstrated the potential that fans and analysts had hoped for all season.
Despite some communication challenges during the match, Jerry Neuheisel’s play-calling received positive feedback from fans and analysts alike. Urban Meyer, a prominent figure in college football, praised the teams’ performance, reinforcing the notion that despite their record, UCLA has shown an ability to compete at a high level.
The victory over Penn State is not only a testament to the team’s resilience but also a bright spot for a program navigating a challenging period in their football season. With newfound momentum and a revitalized coaching approach, UCLA fans are hopeful for the remainder of the season.
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Additional Resources
- USA Today: UCLA Upset Over Penn State
- CT Insider: Jerry Neuheisel Joins UCLA
- SI: Urban Meyer Praises Jerry Neuheisel
- LA Times: UCLA vs Penn State Recap
- Fox Sports: Who is Jerry Neuheisel?
- Wikipedia: UCLA Bruins Football
- Google Search: Jerry Neuheisel
- Google Scholar: Jerry Neuheisel
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Football
- Google News: UCLA Football
Author: STAFF HERE BEVERLY HILLS WRITER
The Beverly Hills Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREBeverlyHills.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance, the Beverly Hills artSHOW, Concerts on Canon, and holiday celebrations throughout the city. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce and Visit Beverly Hills, plus leading businesses in luxury fashion, hospitality, and entertainment that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HERESantaAna.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, and HERECostaMesa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
