UCLA Stuns No. 7 Penn State in Historic Upset Under Interim Playcaller Jerry Neuheisel
UCLA Stuns No. 7 Penn State in Historic Upset Under Interim Playcaller Jerry Neuheisel
In a shockwave that reverberated across college football, previously winless UCLA pulled off a stunning 42-37 upset victory over No. 7 Penn State at the Rose Bowl on Saturday afternoon. The improbable triumph came just days after a significant coaching shake-up, with tight ends coach Jerry Neuheisel elevated to offensive playcaller only four days prior to the monumental game.
Neuheisel, stepping into the role after the departure of offensive coordinator Tino Sunseri, engineered an offensive masterclass that saw the Bruins score on each of their first five drives. Fans celebrated the dramatic turnaround with chants of “Jerry! Jerry! Jerry!” as UCLA secured its first victory over a top-10 team since 2007 and ended its four-game losing streak.
Quarterback Nico Iamaleava delivered a career-defining performance, accounting for five touchdowns – three rushing and two passing. The sophomore sensation completed 17 of 24 passes for 166 yards and rushed for 128 yards on 16 carries, including a highlight-reel 52-yard gain. His leadership and the team’s belief, despite having only two days to practice the new game plan, were pivotal.
The Bruins (1-4 overall, 1-1 Big Ten) held a commanding 27-7 halftime lead, but the Nittany Lions (3-2, 0-2) battled back, making for a tense finish. A crucial defensive stop in the final minutes, followed by an intentional safety, sealed the 42-37 victory. This win marks UCLA as the first team starting 0-4 or worse to beat a top-10 opponent since 1985, injecting renewed hope into what had been a lost season.
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