Quarterback Nico Iamaleava might be questioning if he ought to’ve stayed with the Tennessee Volunteers after a tough Week 1 debut with the UCLA Bruins.
Iamaleava transferred to UCLA in April after reportedly holding out of spring observe over an NIL (identify, picture and likeness) dispute. Reviews indicated he was searching for a $4M deal, regardless of already having a $2.4M deal.
Cash wasn’t the one issue. Iamaleava’s father was reportedly involved the Volunteers weren’t surrounding the QB with a robust receiving corps and offensive line. His supporting forged at UCLA, nonetheless, appears no higher.
The Bruins rushed for 84 yards on 28 carries in Saturday’s 43-10 Week 1 dwelling loss to the Utah Utes.
With out a robust run sport, the 20-year-old passer flopped. He went 11-of-22 passing for 136 yards, one landing and one interception. Iamaleava additionally took 4 sacks.
“We received punched within the mouth,” the QB stated in a postgame information convention.
In the meantime, Iamaleava’s alternative, Joey Aguilar, appeared sharp throughout a 45-26 thrashing of the Syracuse Orange. The Appalachian State switch accomplished 16-of-28 passes for 247 yards and three TDs, together with a 73-yarder to vast receiver Braylon Staley.
