UCLA Quarterback Returns to Beat Illinois After Shoulder Hit

UCLA quarterback Ty Dieffenbach returned to the field mid-game on Friday night and led the No. 4 Bruins past Illinois 22-14. The victory keeps the team unbeaten on the season despite heavy rain in Pasadena.

Dieffenbach left the game with 35 seconds remaining in the first half. He fell hard on his left shoulder after being hit by Illinois defensive lineman Carter Janki. Third-stringer Madden Iamaleava replaced him for the next three series while Dieffenbach stayed in the locker room.

The senior came back to the field with 55 seconds left in the third quarter. On his first drive, he moved the ball 75 yards in seven plays. The drive ended with a 26-yard touchdown pass to Morgan, which gave UCLA a key advantage.

Dieffenbach finished the night 13 of 20 for 232 passing yards and two touchdowns. The performance improved his record as the Bruins' starting quarterback to 5-0. He took over the starting job after Nico Iamaleava suffered a season-ending knee injury against Oregon on Oct. 10.

Nico Iamaleava is the older brother of Madden Iamaleava, who filled in for Dieffenbach in the second quarter. The matchup was played at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Friday, Nov. 13.