Penn State’s season takes a disappointing turn after losing to UCLA, who hadn’t won any games before.

PASADENA, Calif.

Nico Iamaleava starred with three rushing touchdowns and two passing touchdowns as UCLA celebrated their first win of the season, defeating 7th-ranked Penn State 42-37 on Saturday. This come after the dismissal of coach Desshaun Foster and two coordinators.

The Bruins (1-4, 1-1 Big Ten) were facing a significant challenge, being 25.5-point underdogs in the Rose Bowl. Tight end Jerinoi Haysel had the honor of calling the first offensive play for UCLA against Penn State’s formidable defensive coordinator, Jim Knowles.

With a 42-35 lead, UCLA’s Scooter Jackson made a pivotal play, stopping Drew Arrara on a crucial 4th and 2, allowing the Nittany Lions to run the clock down to 37 seconds. The Bruins managed to hold on, with the final score ending 42-37.

UCLA outgained Penn State, tallying 446 total yards compared to 357. They topped the Lions in passing yards too, throwing for 280 while limiting Penn State to just 127. The Bruins converted 10 of 16 on third downs, showcasing their versatility.

Iamaleava had arguably his best outing since transferring from Tennessee over the summer. He showcased his skill, scrambling right to rush for 7 yards and pushing the score to 42-28 after a two-point conversion with 6:41 remaining in the fourth quarter. He ended the day as the Bruins’ leading rusher, with 166 passing yards on 17 of 24 attempts and 128 yards off 16 carries.

Bringing energy from the start, UCLA scored on their first five possessions and extended their lead with a 56-yard field goal from Maiten Bagani early in the third quarter.

Penn State (3-2, 0-2) struggled, turning the ball over with a fumble at the start of the third quarter and falling 27-21. This marked their second consecutive loss.

Halil Dinkins made a notable play, catching a 40-yard pass while the Lions recovered from Iamaleava’s earlier success with a blocked punt by Dani Dennis-Saton. Their woes continued as Liam Clifford capitalized, scoring six yards off a blocked punt recovery.

Nonetheless, the Bruins continued to build on their lead, with Iamaleava making a significant 52-yard rush, which was the longest of his career. UCLA relied heavily on their running game, culminating in a 75-yard scoring drive.

Kaytron Allen pulled the Lions closer with a two-yard touchdown run, and a 15-yard TD pass to Chiron Hudson made it 42-35 with just 4:11 left on the clock.