Tim Skipper, Nico Iamaleava, and UCLA’s undefeated streak finally came to an end following a 56-6 decimation at the hands of the No.2 Indiana Hoosiers. After firing DeShaun Foster following a dismal 0-3 start, the Bruins were previously 3-0 before today.
During the game, the UCLA quarterback threw a pick-six to set the Hoosiers up with their first score. The Tennessee transfer, in particular, had a rough day against Curt Cignetti’s side. Iamaleava threw two interceptions and no touchdowns in today’s game.
Nico Iamaleava Breaks Silence On Pick-Six Against Indiana
Speaking to the LA Times Beat reporter Ben Bolch, the UCLA quarterback commented on the pick-six that began Indiana’s streak of points. Following tonight’s loss, the Bruins fell to a 3-5 record, ending their undefeated streak under the interim head coach.
“That’s a rough start, man,” Iamaleava commented. In the opening drive, the UCLA quarterback spotted what appeared to be an open Rico Flores Jr. Instead, it turned out to be a pick-six as the ball landed in the hands of Aiden Fisher.
Nico Iamaleava on the pick-six: “That’s a rough start, man.”
— Ben Bolch (@latbbolch) October 25, 2025
“We didn’t really bounce back from that moment, you know? It kind of shell-shocked us, and it kind of took a while to get back on track.” Skipper explained his thoughts on the costly mistake by his quarterback.
Earlier in the week, the head coach and quarterback expressed love and respect for one another. However, the offense struggled to get going in today’s game. With 13 completions out of 27, Iamaleava threw for just 113 yards with two picks.
Meanwhile, the ground game also offered almost nothing for the Bruins. With Iamaleava rushing for 28 yards on the ground, they finished with just 88 yards rushing and zero touchdowns.
In comparison, the Hoosiers’ offense looked like one of the best in the nation today. After rushing for 262 yards and 4 touchdowns. Potential Heisman contender Fernando Mendoza also threw for 4 touchdowns, with Alberto Mendoza getting in the game for a few snaps.
This year, the Hoosiers have one of the top defenses in the country. According to PFSN’s defensive impact ratings, they rank 3rd overall nationally. They have an A grade and an impact score of 95.3, behind just Oklahoma and Ohio State.
According to PFSN’s QB impact rating, the UCLA quarterback was listed as the 42nd overall nationally. With an impact score of 80.2, Iamaleava has thrown for 1,355 yards and 10 touchdowns this season, and five interceptions.
“UCLA, we’re playing a 3-0 football team. That’s undefeated. That’s 3-0 in the conference since they have retooled their staff. Very impressive football team.” Cignetti revealed, speaking to the media in the buildup to the game earlier this week.
After being held to zero touchdowns for the first time since taking over, offensive coordinator Jerry Neuheisel and the interim head coach will have to look to recoup. They still have the rest of the season to make a case for staying in charge next year.
