Utah crushed UCLA 43-10 as Nico Iamaleava struggled in his debut. Devon Dampier led the Utes with a commanding performance in the season opener.
Utah Crushes UCLA 43-10 as Nico Iamaleava Struggles in Debut, Devon Dampier Shines
The highly anticipated season opener between the Utah Utes and UCLA Bruins turned into a one-sided showcase of dominance. Utah, led by quarterback Devon Dampier, delivered a resounding 43-10 victory over the Bruins. On the other side, all eyes were on Nico Iamaleava’s UCLA debut, but the former Tennessee quarterback’s first outing in blue and gold fell flat.
Devon Dampier Proves Himself on the Big Stage
Utah fans had been waiting to see how Devon Dampier would handle the spotlight, and he didn’t disappoint. Dampier commanded the offense with precision, spreading the ball effectively and keeping the Bruins’ defense on its heels. His mix of accurate passing and poise in the pocket showcased his readiness to lead Utah this season.
More importantly, Dampier’s confidence lifted the entire Utah offense. The Utes controlled time of possession, dominated the trenches, and forced UCLA to play catch-up early. Every drive seemed to expose another weakness in the Bruins’ defensive scheme.
Nico Iamaleava’s Rocky Transition from Tennessee to UCLA
For UCLA, the story of the night was Nico Iamaleava’s disappointing debut. After transferring from Tennessee with high expectations, the young quarterback looked rattled against Utah’s relentless defense.
Iamaleava struggled with decision-making, completing only short, safe throws while failing to establish any rhythm with his receivers. He faced constant pressure, took multiple sacks, and threw a costly interception that shifted momentum further in Utah’s favor.
Bruins fans had hoped Iamaleava would bring new energy to the offense, but instead, his transition highlighted just how challenging it can be to move from one program to another. The lack of chemistry with his new teammates was evident, and Utah took full advantage.
Bruins Overpowered and Outcoached
Beyond Iamaleava’s struggles, UCLA looked unprepared in every phase. Head coach DeShaun Foster has emphasized toughness since taking over, but his team looked anything but tough. Utah’s offensive line bullied UCLA up front, while the Bruins’ running game never found traction.
Commentators pointed out that UCLA was “dragged into another embarrassment,” a painful reminder that the program has struggled to compete with top-tier Pac-12 opponents in recent years. The 43-10 final score wasn’t just a reflection of Utah’s dominance—it was an indictment of UCLA’s lack of execution and preparation.
What This Means for Both Programs
For Utah, the season opener was exactly what they needed: a convincing win that sets the tone for a championship push. If Dampier continues to perform at this level, the Utes will be a serious contender.
For UCLA, the loss raises urgent questions. Can Iamaleava settle in and find his rhythm before the schedule gets tougher? Can Foster rally his players and prevent another downward spiral? If not, this could be a long season in Westwood.
OPINION
The matchup between Utah and UCLA was billed as a showcase for two rising quarterbacks. Instead, it became a lopsided affair where Devon Dampier proved himself ready for the spotlight, while Nico Iamaleava’s UCLA debut fell apart under pressure.
With a 43-10 victory, Utah sent a clear message: they are ready to dominate. UCLA, meanwhile, is left searching for answers after a disastrous start to the Nico Iamaleava era.