UCLA Loses Another Quarterback to Injury Against Illinois

UCLA’s quarterback depth took another hit late in the first half of its game against Illinois at the Rose Bowl on November 13. Ty Dieffenbach went down after a tackle, appearing to strike his left upper arm on the field. He remained there for several minutes before receiving help to reach the sideline. The full nature of his injury was still unclear.

Madden Iamaleava, sibling of injured starter Nico Iamaleava, entered in Dieffenbach’s place. He threw two incomplete passes before UCLA went into halftime ahead 10-0. Nico Iamaleava had started UCLA’s first five games but suffered damage to knee ligaments before halftime against Oregon last month.

Dieffenbach had completed eight of 13 attempts for 168 yards, recording a touchdown and an interception versus Illinois. His scoring pass covered 54 yards and went to Aidan Mizell, who had accumulated 307 receiving yards over his previous two halves of play.

UCLA controlled much of the first half, gaining 252 yards to Illinois’ 84. The Bruins’ lead remained at 10 points after Dieffenbach threw an interception in the end zone. The game was at halftime when Dieffenbach left the field.