UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava clear to play against Washington
Nico Iamaleava is back.
The UCLA quarterback who missed last weekend’s game against Ohio State because of a concussion has been cleared to play against Washington on Saturday in the Rose Bowl, according to a person with knowledge of the situation who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the health issues. Iamaleava was released from concussion protocol Monday evening.
The return of the Bruins’ best player should significantly improve an offense that unveiled a conservative game plan against the Buckeyes under quarterback Luke Duncan.
UCLA’s offensive line will also be back at full strength with the expected return of guard Garrett DiGiorgio and tackle Reuben Unije from injuries. DiGiorgio missed the game against the Buckeyes because of back spasms and Unije left the game with a lower-body injury.
Iamaleava has been by far the Bruins’ best offensive weapon this season following his transfer from Tennessee. He completed 63.7% of his passes for 1,659 yards with 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions while also becoming the team’s leading rusher with 474 yards and four touchdowns on 96 carries.
Iamaleava’s refusal to slide or go out of bounds may have contributed to his concussion, as he repeatedly took big hits due to his fearlessness. He absorbed several hard hits against Nebraska earlier this month before developing concussion symptoms over the next week, forcing him to miss the game against Ohio State.
Duncan played admirably in Iamaleava’s absence, completing 16 of 23 passes for 154 yards and one touchdown with no interceptions. He seemed more comfortable as the game progressed amid play calls that increasingly allowed him to throw the ball further downfield.
Now, Duncan will happily give up his spot to Iamaleava as the Bruins (3-7 overall, 3-4 Big Ten) attempt to snap a three-game losing streak with a victory over the Huskies (7-3, 4-3).
