NCAA Football: Penn State at UCLA Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

UCLA Bruins New Playcaller Stuns On Saturday

Originally posted on LAFB Network | By Nikko Buenavidez | Last updated Oct 5, 2025 4:02 PM ET

Interim offensive playcaller Jerry Neuheisel’s first game looked nothing like the UCLA Bruins’ offense from the first month of the season, and that was exactly what they needed. The Bruins pounded the ball, controlled the clock for nearly 40 minutes, and shocked No. 7 Penn State 42 to 37 at the Rose Bowl.

A New Identity on Offense

UCLA Bruins New Playcaller Stuns On Saturday 1 Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Is it a great day to be alive and to be a Bruin?

Neuheisel’s debut brought simplicity and rhythm. UCLA opened the game with a 10 play drive capped by Kwazi Gilmer’s touchdown, then followed it with an onside kick that completely caught Penn State off guard. The Bruins leaned on the run all afternoon, rushing for 269 yards and six red zone scores. Nico Iamaleava set the tone, keeping the ball on read options and scrambles to pile up 128 yards and three touchdowns on the ground.

The tempo and play design kept Penn State guessing. Anthony Woods and Jaivian Thomas attacked the edges, while quick throws to Rico Flores and Titus Mokiao Atimalala helped neutralize the Nittany Lions’ pass rush. Iamaleava finished 17 of 24 for 166 yards and two touchdowns, with Mokiao Atimalala and Gilmer both finding the end zone.

UCLA Bruins Defense Delivers Just Enough

UCLA Bruins New Playcaller Stuns On Saturday 2 Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

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Penn State quarterback Drew Allar threw for 200 yards and two touchdowns, and running back Kaytron Allen added 58 yards and two scores, but UCLA’s defense made plays when it mattered. Linebackers Isaiah Chisom and JonJon Vaughns were everywhere again, combining for 12 tackles, while Jacob Busic’s fourth down sack in the second quarter halted a Penn State rally. Rodrick Pleasant added a key pass breakup, and Scooter Jackson sealed it with a late stop on Allar inside the red zone.

UCLA forced three fumbles and didn’t commit a single turnover, the first clean game of the season. The Bruins also went a perfect six for six in the red zone, a stat that defined the upset.

Finishing the Job

A blocked punt returned for a touchdown let Penn State back into it, cutting the lead to six midway through the third. But Iamaleava’s 52 yard run on the next drive flipped momentum again. After Penn State failed to convert on fourth down in the final two minutes, UCLA deliberately took a safety to drain the clock, sealing the 42 to 37 win.

For a team that entered averaging just 14 points per game, this was a total reversal. UCLA ran more than it threw, dictated pace, and outgained a top ten opponent. After weeks of dysfunction, the Bruins finally looked organized, confident, and physical.

Neuheisel’s first call sheet became UCLA’s first signature win of the season.

This article first appeared on LAFB Network and was syndicated with permission.

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