Nico Iamaleava is again.
The UCLA quarterback who sat out final weekend’s sport in opposition to Ohio State due to a concussion has been cleared to play in opposition to Washington on Saturday on the Rose Bowl, in response to an individual with information of the scenario who spoke on situation of anonymity due to the sensitivity of well being issues. Iamaleava was launched from concussion protocol on Monday evening.
The return of the Bruins’ finest participant ought to considerably improve an offense that unveiled a conservative sport plan in opposition to the Buckeyes beneath backup quarterback Luke Duncan.
UCLA’s offensive line may even be again at full energy with the anticipated return of guard Garrett DiGiorgio and sort out Reuben Unije from accidents. DiGiorgio missed the sport in opposition to the Buckeyes due to again spasms and Unije departed the sport with a lower-body damage.
Iamaleava has been far and away the Bruins’ high offensive weapon this season after transferring from Tennessee. He’s accomplished 63.7% of his passes for 1,659 yards with 12 touchdowns and 7 interceptions whereas additionally rising because the crew’s main rusher with 474 yards and 4 touchdowns in 96 carries.
Iamaleava’s refusal to slip or run out of bounds may need contributed to his concussion as a result of he’s repeatedly taken large hits on account of his fearlessness. He absorbed a number of punishing hits in opposition to Nebraska earlier this month earlier than growing concussion signs over the following week, forcing him to overlook the sport in opposition to Ohio State.
Duncan performed admirably in Iamaleava’s absence, finishing 16 of 23 passes for 154 yards and one landing with out an interception. He appeared extra snug as the sport progressed amid play calls that more and more allowed him to throw the ball farther downfield.
Now Duncan will fortunately cede his spot to Iamaleava because the Bruins (3-7 total, 3-4 Large Ten) attempt to break a three-game dropping streak with a victory over the Huskies (7-3, 4-3).
