Knight scores twice as UCLA survives Iamaleava injury to beat Oregon 17-15

Wayne Knight ran for 103 yards and scored two touchdowns as No. 21 UCLA defeated No. 13 Oregon 17-15 Saturday in Eugene. The Bruins survived an injury to quarterback Nico Iamaleava, a late Oregon touchdown and a repeated two-point attempt to preserve their unbeaten start.

Oregon’s final opportunity ended with a fumble on a last-play lateral sequence. That was the Ducks’ seventh turnover, completing a game in which their offense repeatedly surrendered possessions before a fourth-quarter rally made the finish close. UCLA improved to 5-0, while Oregon fell to 3-2.

Knight supplied both UCLA touchdowns. His 35-yard run in the second quarter put the Bruins ahead 10-6. Early in the fourth, backup quarterback Ty Dieffenbach found him for a nine-yard touchdown reception, extending the lead to 17-6. Knight carried 22 times and caught three passes for 12 yards.

Dieffenbach’s role became necessary after Iamaleava left the game. CBS sideline reporter Jenny Dell reported after halftime that the UCLA starter had not returned from the locker room and was doubtful to return. Subsequent reporting from The Associated Press described a lower-leg injury. The available reports did not establish a recovery timetable.

Iamaleava finished 10 of 17 for 162 yards with two interceptions. Dieffenbach completed three of six passes for 43 yards and the touchdown to Knight. UCLA still produced 345 total yards and held the ball for 39:15, giving its defense long breaks during a game with limited sustained Oregon offense.

The Ducks began with Dylan Raiola in place of Dante Moore, who remained unavailable following a concussion. Raiola completed six of 19 passes for 43 yards and threw two interceptions. Brock Thomas took over and finished 11 of 15 for 156 yards and a touchdown, giving Oregon its best passing production late in the game.

Thomas helped the Ducks reach scoring position for Gage Hurych’s 26-yard field goal with 5:16 remaining. He then found Evan Stewart for a 44-yard touchdown with 2:16 left, bringing Oregon within two points. UCLA was penalized for a facemask on the initial conversion attempt, allowing another try closer to the goal line. Jordon Davison was stopped short on the repeated attempt.

Oregon regained possession inside the final minute and advanced with short passes before the last play. A completed pass followed by a lateral ended with a UCLA recovery, closing the game without another scoring attempt. The Ducks finished with five lost fumbles and two interceptions; UCLA committed three turnovers of its own.

Davison had scored Oregon’s opening touchdown on a one-yard run after a UCLA fumble. That initial lead lasted until Knight’s long touchdown. Oregon converted only one of 12 third downs and neither of its fourth-down attempts, finishing with 272 total yards and 73 rushing yards.

UCLA’s next game is against Wisconsin, while Oregon hosts Nebraska. Knight’s production and the Bruins’ late conversion stop provided enough offense and defense to win despite the uncertainty around their starting quarterback and three giveaways.