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Why did UCLA pull Nico Iamaleava? High-dollar QB removed from game vs. Oregon after poor play and injury

UCLA made a surprising mid-game decision to bench high-profile quarterback Nico Iamaleava during the second half of their matchup against Oregon, handing the reins to backup Ty Dieffenbach. The shift came after Iamaleava struggled in the first half, throwing two interceptions while leading the Bruins to a 10-6 lead.

Notably, he left the game briefly earlier in the half following a hard hit to the neck, though coach Bob Chesney initially downplayed concerns about his condition. By halftime, reports suggested Iamaleava was doubtful to return due to injury, and he did not re-enter the game after the break, exiting the locker room with a towel draped over his head rather than in uniform.

Dieffenbach, a senior transfer from Cal Poly, took over but managed only an incomplete pass before Iamaleava’s exit was finalized. The exact nature of Iamaleava’s injury remains unclear, though his absence marks a significant setback for UCLA’s offensive plans against a Pac-12 opponent.

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