UCLA pulled off a 17-15 upset victory over No. 13 Oregon on Saturday, but the bigger story was what happened to quarterback Nico Iamaleava.
In the second quarter, Yamalewa scrambled to his feet while being tackled and landed awkwardly on his legs. Replays showed Oregon defensive lineman Bear Alexander twisting his helmet and then appearing to punch him in the head. No penalty was awarded. Yamalewa went 10-of-17 for 162 yards and two interceptions before leaving the game amid concerns he suffered a torn ACL that would end his season.
Reserve Ty Dieffenbach stepped in and helped UCLA improve to 5-0, although Oregon rallied late and missed the game-tying two-point shot.
Asked about the incident Monday, UCLA coach Bob Chesney called the punch “shocking” and said it was a shame the officials missed the punch.
“This should not be a fight that should be allowed to happen in this sport,” Chesney said.
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Alexander was not punished, and fans are comparing the play to Oregon State quarterback Dante Moore’s late snap two weeks ago. Moore suffered a concussion in the Ducks’ win over USC when Trojans linebacker Desman Stephens hit him in the head when he slipped in the second quarter. The referees ejected Stephens for aggressive behavior, and USC suspended him for one game after he celebrated and returned to the sideline. Oregon coach Dan Lanning called the hit “disgusting” and left any further discipline to the Big Ten or USC.
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Alexander’s play differs in several ways. Officials didn’t see it, so there was no flag or ejection, and Yamalewa’s knee injury reportedly occurred before the punch, not because of it. Still, the situation remains similar enough that Oregon now faces the same discipline issues Lanning left others with.
Punishment could come from Oregon State, which could suspend Alexander itself, or the Big Ten, which could review the film and take action. There are no automatic penalties, so any discipline is an option.