The UCLA football team may be 9-0, but the Bruins are now down to their third string quarterback as Ty Dieffenbach had to be helped off the field in their game against the Illinois Fighting Illini.
With less than a minute left in the second quarter and UCLA leading 10-0, Dieffenbach fell to the ground after attempting a pass. He clearly looked to be in discomfort as he held his left shoulder.
The Bruins were already without starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who went down with a season-ending left knee injury in last month's win over Oregon. And now, Nico's brother Madden has taken over at quarterback in the second half after Dieffenbach's injury.
Dieffenbach has done a fine job during his time as the Bruins' starter. While his numbers (57.8% completion for 986 yards with six touchdowns and two interceptions heading into the Illinois game) have been unspectacular, he's done enough to get the job done. He had a remarkable game last time out as he threw for 303 yards with three touchdowns despite just eight completions in a 34-20 win over Minnesota.
It remains to be seen just how serious Dieffenbach's shoulder injury is. But if it is significant and causes him to miss time, it will be another major setback for the Bruins and their hopes of making noise in the College Football Playoff. While the outstanding defense has been the big factor in their undefeated record, they still need some solid quarterback play to compete against the best teams in the country. That responsibility may now have to fall on the sophomore Madden Iamaleava's young shoulders.