UCLA football trailed by 23 points in the first half against UNLV Saturday night before mounting a furious second half comeback. Driving deep into UNLV territory while trailing by a touchdown late, UCLA looked poised to force overtime and earn a comeback win.
But a costly Nico Iamaelava miscue proved lethal with the redshirt sophomore quarterback throwing a game-sealing interception with 52 seconds remaining. Iamaleava never saw the UNLV linebacker, firing it directly at Marsell McDuffie. The linebacker batter the ball in the air Aamrius Brown ran under it so make the game-winning play and clinch the 30-23 victory.
PICKED OFF AND UNLV TAKES DOWN NICO IAMALEAVA AND UCLA! pic.twitter.com/NaivB2Fo0F
— Mr Matthew CFB (@MrMatthew_CFB) September 7, 2025
Iamaleava finished the game completing 29-of-41 passes for 255 yards, one touchdown and the one interception. He added 59 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown but also had a costly first half fumble which led to a UNLV touchdown which extended its lead to 17-0 in the second quarter.
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While Iamaleava played better against UNLV than he did a week ago against Utah, the Bruins were unable to earn their first win of the season. In two second half drives trailing by a touchdown, UCLA went three-and-out and then drove the ball into scoring range before the costly interception.
Now through two games this season, Iamaleava has totaled three touchdowns and three turnovers. UCLA is 0-2 with a golden opportunity to earn its first win of the season next week against New Mexico.
Tennessee football is off to a 2-0 start in its first two games since Iamaleava’s departure to the transfer portal. Quarterback Joey Aguilar has combined to complete 39-of-59 passes for 535 yards, five touchdowns and no turnovers as the Vols have cruised past Syracuse and ETSU.
