UCLA quarterback Ty Dieffenbach named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week
Brady Charette
Host · Writer
WESTWOOD, Calif. — UCLA quarterback Ty Dieffenbach has been named Big Ten Player of the Week after throwing for 303 yards and three touchdowns in a 34-20 victory over the Minnesota Golden Gophers on Saturday afternoon.
Dieffenbach, who took over under center after Nico Iamaleava suffered a season-ending knee injury against the Oregon Ducks, has stepped in seamlessly for the Bruins. The Cal Poly transfer is 4-0 as a starter while keeping UCLA among the nation’s final two unbeaten FBS teams.
Through four starts, Dieffenbach has completed 57.8 percent of his passes for 986 yards, six touchdowns, and two interceptions. Saturday marked the finest outing of his collegiate career, highlighted by back-to-back 75-yard touchdown strikes to wide receiver Aiden Mizell on consecutive offensive snaps. Despite completing just 50% of his passes, Dieffenbach averaged a remarkable 37.9 yards per completion and critical throws late in the game.
The Calabasas native became the first FBS player in the last 30 years to throw for at least 300 yards on eight completions or fewer.
“I just think that he didn't waver," head coach Bob Chesney said of Dieffenbach's performance. "I think that's really important, the way he carried himself."
Behind Dieffenbach, UCLA has skyrocketed to No. 4 in this week's Associated Press and NCAA College Football Coaches Polls.
If the Bruins cap off a historic first season under Chesney with an undefeated record, the 6-foot-6 quarterback will be at the center of it all.
Dieffenbach will look to replicate his success and help UCLA move to 10-0 on Friday night when they welcome the Illnois Fighting Illini to the Rose Bowl.
